Unit 1 -- Csc 115 S01/S02 Spring 2005

Learning Objectives

• Know the difference between Classes and Objects
• To be able to define a class with variables and methods
• To be be able to instantiate objects
• To understand how to create simple constructors
• To be familiar with the main method and how to use it for testing each class you create
• Be familiar with primitive types and how to allocate storage for them
• To gain preliminary familiarity with the String class and how to use it
• To learn naming conventions in Java

Learning Resources

Sample programs

• ColourClass.java
• Point.java
• WrappedInt.java

Self Study Activities

1. Explain the difference between a class and an object. Draw a conceptualized diagram of a sample class and sample object.
2. What is the difference between a primitive and a reference variable? Give an example of each.
3. True or False: A primitive variable is automatically assigned a value when you declare it.
4. True or False: A variable that is a field as part of a class is automatically assigned a value when you instantiate an object of the class.
5. How can you easily spot the difference between a constructor and an ordinary method? There are two key clues!
6. According to the conventions we usually use in Java, what constructs are the following most likely to be:
   • j
   • midField
   • Player
   • TEAMSIZE
   • getTeam()
   • game