What is the difference between a class and an object?

Object Oriented Programming Questions Medium



47 Short 36 Medium 25 Long Answer Questions Question Index

What is the difference between a class and an object?

In object-oriented programming, a class and an object are two fundamental concepts, but they have distinct differences.

A class is a blueprint or a template that defines the properties (attributes) and behaviors (methods) of a particular type of object. It serves as a blueprint for creating multiple instances of objects with similar characteristics. It defines the common attributes and behaviors that all objects of that class will possess. In simpler terms, a class is like a blueprint for a house, which describes the structure and features of the house but does not represent any specific house itself.

On the other hand, an object is an instance of a class. It is a concrete representation of a class, created using the blueprint provided by the class. An object represents a specific entity or item that possesses the attributes and behaviors defined by its class. It can be seen as an actual house built based on the blueprint mentioned earlier. Each object created from a class can have its own unique values for the attributes defined in the class.

To summarize, a class is an abstract concept that defines the common attributes and behaviors of a group of objects, while an object is a specific instance of a class that possesses the defined attributes and behaviors. Classes provide the structure and definition, while objects are the actual entities that can be manipulated and interacted with in a program.