CurriculumClasses & Objects
Classes & Objects
A <strong>Class</strong> is a blueprint. An <strong>Object</strong> is a real thing built from that blueprint. Classes let you group related data (member variables) and related functions (member methods) into one self-contained unit.
01Defining Your First Class
A class is defined with the
class keyword, a name, and a body between {}. Everything inside is a member.main.cpp
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02Multiple Objects from One Class
One class blueprint can create as many objects as you want. Each object has its own independent copy of the member variables.
main.cpp
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03The 'this' Pointer
Inside a member function,
this is a pointer to the current object. Useful when a parameter name clashes with a member variable name.main.cpp
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04Member Functions Outside the Class
Declare member functions inside the class but define them outside using the
ClassName:: scope resolution operator.main.cpp
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05'const' Member Functions
Mark a member function
const when it does NOT modify the object. Lets it work on constant objects and communicates intent.main.cpp
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06Static Members
A
static member variable is shared by ALL objects. A static member function can only access static data.main.cpp
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07Passing Objects to Functions
Pass objects by
const& to avoid copying the entire object while preventing modification.main.cpp
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08Returning Objects from Functions
Functions can create and return objects. Modern compilers use Return Value Optimization (RVO) to avoid unnecessary copies.
main.cpp
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AI Tutor
OOP lets you model real-world entities directly in code. A Player has health and can attack. A Car has speed and can accelerate. Classes keep data and behavior together cleanly.