C++ Classes

🏗️ C++ Classes – Build Your Blueprint for Objects

A class in C++ is like a blueprint for creating objects. It defines the properties and behaviors (data and functions) that objects of that class will have. You can think of it like a blueprint for a house: while the blueprint stays the same, each house built from it can be unique. 🏡

📘 What is a Class?

  • Class – A user-defined type that represents a real-world object
  • Object – An instance of a class
  • Classes contain data members (variables) and member functions (methods) that define the behavior of the object

🔧 Example: Creating a Class in C++

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

// Define a class called Car
class Car {
public:
    string brand;
    string model;
    int year;

    // Member function to start the car
    void start() {
        cout << "Starting the car..." << endl;
    }
};

int main() {
    // Create an object of class Car
    Car myCar;

    // Assign values to the object's properties
    myCar.brand = "Honda";
    myCar.model = "Civic";
    myCar.year = 2021;

    // Accessing and displaying object's properties
    cout << "Brand: " << myCar.brand << endl;
    cout << "Model: " << myCar.model << endl;
    cout << "Year: " << myCar.year << endl;

    // Call a function from the object
    myCar.start();

    return 0;
}

Try It Now

📌 Key Features of Classes

  • Encapsulation – Bundling data and functions together
  • Access Control – Private and public sections for data protection
  • Constructor – Special function to initialize objects

💡 Summary

  • A class is a blueprint for creating objects
  • Objects are instances of the class with their own unique data
  • Use classes to organize code and make it more reusable and maintainable

Classes are the foundation of OOP in C++. Now that you know how to create and use them, you’re on your way to mastering OOP concepts! 🚀