Chapter 4. Objects and Classes

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• Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

• Using Predefined Classes

• Defining Your Own Classes

• Static Fields and Methods

• Method Parameters

• Object Construction

• Packages

• Documentation Comments

• Class Design Hints

In this chapter, we

• Introduce you to object-oriented programming;

• Show you how you can create objects that belong to classes in the standard Java library; and

• Show you how to write your own classes.

If you do not have a background in object-oriented programming, you will want to read this chapter carefully. Thinking about object-oriented programming requires a different way of thinking than for procedural languages. The transition is not always easy, but you do need some familiarity with object concepts to go further with Java.

For experienced C++ programmers, this chapter, like the previous chapter, presents familiar information; however, there are enough differences between the two languages that you should read the later sections of this chapter carefully. You'll find the C++ notes helpful for making the transition.

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