Difference between revisions of "Object"
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== Anonymous Object == | == Anonymous Object == | ||
| − | An object of unknown class. The [[interface]] to an anonymous object is published through a [[protocol]] declaration. | + | An object of unknown [[class]]. The [[interface]] to an anonymous object is published through a [[protocol]] declaration. |
== Class Object == | == Class Object == | ||
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An object that represents a [[class]] and knows how to create new instances of the class. Class objects are created by the compiler, lack [[instance_variable|instance variables]], and can't be statically typed, but otherwise behave like all other objects. | An object that represents a [[class]] and knows how to create new instances of the class. Class objects are created by the compiler, lack [[instance_variable|instance variables]], and can't be statically typed, but otherwise behave like all other objects. | ||
| − | As the receiver in a message expression, a class object is represented by the class name. | + | As the receiver in a [[Message|message expression]], a class object is represented by the class name. |
== Factory Object == | == Factory Object == | ||
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== Remote Object == | == Remote Object == | ||
| − | An object in another application, one that's a potential receiver for a remote message. | + | An object in another application, one that's a potential receiver for a [[Message#Remote_Message|remote message]]. |
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| + | [[Category:Objective-C]] | ||
Latest revision as of 09:42, 21 June 2006
An object is a unit that groups a data structure (instance variables) and the operations (methods) that can use or affect that data.
Objects are the principal building blocks of object-oriented programs.
Anonymous Object
An object of unknown class. The interface to an anonymous object is published through a protocol declaration.
Class Object
An object that represents a class and knows how to create new instances of the class. Class objects are created by the compiler, lack instance variables, and can't be statically typed, but otherwise behave like all other objects.
As the receiver in a message expression, a class object is represented by the class name.
Factory Object
Same as a class object.
Instance Object
An object that belongs to (aka is a member of) a particular class.
Instances are created at run time according to the specification in the class definition (aka interface).
Remote Object
An object in another application, one that's a potential receiver for a remote message.