OOPs refer to object-oriented programming concept in Java uses objects as the primary criterion or building blocks instead of functions or methods. Several programming languages, including Java, Python, and C++, use objects as their building blocks.
In procedural programming, such as C programming, methods or procedures are responsible for processing the code and performing logical operations on the given data. In contrast, object-oriented programming like Java involves object creation. During object creation, the necessary criteria, such as the data members and member functions, are bundled together, making them easily moveable from one class to another.
In object-oriented programming concept in Java, some common terminologies include class, object, attributes, and methods.
Importance of a Class in an Object-Oriented Programming Concept in Java:
Class is a blueprint, template, or user-defined data type through which we construct an object. It comprises all the attributes and characteristics of an object. For example, if we take an example from real-world objects, the class “animal” includes the standard features of the animal kingdom. Likewise, in programming languages, the instance of a class is an object. In this example, we can consider the term animal as a class, while tiger, Lion, and Zebra are objects.
What is an Object in Java?
An object in Java contains a software code bundle with state and behavior. The objects comprise data and methods. Objects are independent units that encapsulate data and behavior. It defines the properties in terms of state and behavior. State means data members, and behavior indicates member functions.
While variables in the program represent the state, methods showcase the behavior. With the former storing the state, the latter displays the behavior of an object.
For instance, the breaking mechanism in a car is inside, and only the break is visible outside.
How to Create an object in an Object-Oriented Programming in Java?
- Create a class
- Define a constructor:
- define main method
- In main method
4a. Include the syntax, ClassName identifier = new ClassName();
Importantly, to create an object in Java, programmers use the keyword “new along with the constructor”
A Brief Note on a Constructor: What is a Constructor?
- Constructor is a method-like structure.
- The constructor’s name is the same as that of the class name.
- The constructor will not return any value (not even ‘void’)
- Constructor is used to assign values to the data members of the class
- If no constructor is defined, JVM will provide a default constructor.
Programmers use constructors during the process of object creation.
Advantages of Object-Oriented Programming:
In comparison to procedural programming, there are many advantages in object-oriented programming (OOPs), such as the following:
The code executes code efficiently and quickly.
The program structure is evident in the concept of OOPs.
The programmer does not need to repeat the code in OOPs; hence, debugging, modifying, and maintaining the code is more manageable. Creating reusable applications is more accessible with OOPs because the development time is shorter using shortcodes.
Purpose of Object-Oriented Programming Concept in Java:
There are many similarities between real-world objects and objects in Java. We can take characters from real-world objects to better understand the OOPs concept in Java.
Objects help software create replicas or duplicates of real-world objects.
Objects exist on their own and can solve many problems individually. Say, for example, if a person buys a car (a model for an object), he can commute on his own without depending on others. Thus, creating particular objects helps to solve various issues in the software arena similar to real-world objects.
Java exhibits Other important attributes due to objects, such as polymorphism, inheritance, encapsulation, and abstraction. With all these features, users find it very interesting to implement Java programming technologies.
How is procedural programming different from object-oriented programming Concept in Java:
The C language, which follows procedural programming, adopts methods or procedures to perform data operations, while in OOPs, objects perform the operations. Inside the objects, there are data and methods.
A Brief Introduction of Classes and Objects in JAVA
Java, an object-oriented programming concept, uses classes and objects in programming.
For example, Animal is a class, and Tiger, Lion, and Zebra are objects.
A class describes specific common attributes that can be found commonly in objects. Hence, the class offers a template/blueprint to objects, while the object is an instance.
For example, if the vegetable is a class, objects include tomato, onion, cabbage, etc.,
During the object creation, all the properties of the class, including variables and methods, will be inherited into the objects.
An Introduction to Classes, Inheritance, Interfaces, and Packages in Java:
An introduction to a few basic concepts, such as classes, inheritance, interfaces, and packages, is essential to know about object-oriented programming concept in detail. As a result, the following examples are elaborated below.
The state of an object means the properties of an object. In a programming language, for example, variables contain values, which can changed by adding or deleting. At the same time, the behavior of an object means actions that it can take. An object contains properties on which the actions depend.
Importantly, there is an interconnection between the state and behavior. Like, the state/properties determine the behavior of an object.
For example, if we take a dog as an example of a real-world object. Features like color, name, hunger, and breed are examples of a state, while attributes such as wagging tail, fetching, and barking are for behavior. If a dog is hungry, the behavior differs. However, we can change the state of an object, of the above example, the dog, by feeding it.
Similarly, as another example, if a bicycle is in second gear, it acts differently than in fifth gear. Consequently, by shifting the gears we can change the working of the bicycle.
To answer questions on OOPS, please visit the OOPS MCQS Page.