Java Classes and Objects: Writing Classes, Constructors, and Encapsulation Glossary

A class is a blueprint defining fields and methods. An object is an instance created with new.

Special method with class name, no return type. Initializes object state. Default constructor has no params.

Hiding implementation with private fields. Public getters/setters control access. Protects object state.

Return type + name + parameter list. Overloading: same name, different parameters.

Static belongs to class (shared). Instance belongs to each object. Static accessed via ClassName.

Refers to current object instance. Resolves ambiguity between field and parameter names.