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public class

Definition

A public class is one that can be accessed and used by any other class or program. It serves as the blueprint for creating objects and contains variables and methods.

Analogy

Imagine a public class as an open house where anyone can enter freely. Just like how people can visit and interact with different rooms and objects inside an open house, other classes or programs can access and use variables and methods defined within a public class.

Related terms

private class: This refers to a class that can only be accessed within its own file. Other classes cannot directly access its variables or methods.

static keyword: When applied to variables or methods, it means they belong to the class itself rather than instances of the class.

inheritance: Inheritance allows one class (the child) to inherit properties and behaviors from another (the parent).

"public class" appears in:

Practice Questions (13)

collegeable - rocket pep

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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.