| Keyword | Definition |
|---|
| Attribute | A named value (like a variable) associated with an object |
| Base class | The highest level ancestor of a class, which does not inherit from any other class |
| Class | A template which defines the methods and attributes for each object of that type |
| Constructor | A method which is called when a new instance of a class is created |
| Encapsulation | Wrapping a private attribute with a public method in order to control limit access or control behaviour |
| Get method | A form of encapsulation where an object's private attribute can be read via a public method |
| Inheritance | A way of defining classes so that 'child' classes can extend the functionality of 'parent' classes without having to redefine all of the methods and attributes. |
| Instantiation | Creating a new object by calling the constructor for a class |
| Method | Code (like a function or procedure) associated with an object |
| Object | An individual instance of a class which can contain both data (attributes) and functionality (methods) |
| Object Oriented | A way of organising data and behaviour into real life objects |
| Overriding | Replacing a method inherited from another class with a new implementation |
| Polymorphism | An OOP concept where one class can have many different forms of the same method, each accepting different types or numbers of parameters. Alternatively, where methods/attributes within objects of different classes can be accessed in a common way. |
| Private | Access modifier that indicates that a method or attribute can only be accessed from inside the same class |
| Protected | Access modifier that indicates that a method or attribute can only be accessed from inside the same class or any class which inherits from it. |
| Public | Access modifier that indicates that a method or attribute can be accessed from any other class |
| Record | Data structure which groups together multiple related values. Like a class but without any methods. |
| Set method | A form of encapsulation where an object's private attribute can be modified via a public method |
| Sub class | A class that inherits methods and attributes from a parent class |
| Super class | The parent class that attributes / methods are inherited from |
