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Type Diagram

Definition

A type diagram is a visual representation that shows the relationships between different types of objects in a program. It helps programmers understand how classes and interfaces are related to each other.

Analogy

Think of a type diagram as a family tree for objects in a program. Just like a family tree shows how different individuals are connected, a type diagram shows how different types of objects are connected in a program.

Related terms

Inheritance: Inheritance is when one class inherits properties and behaviors from another class. For example, if we have a "Vehicle" class and a "Car" class, the "Car" class can inherit properties like "color" and behaviors like "drive" from the "Vehicle" class.

Interface: An interface is like a contract that defines what methods an object must implement. It specifies the method signatures but not their implementations. For example, we can have an interface called "Drawable" that defines the method "draw()", and any class implementing this interface must provide its own implementation of the "draw()" method.

Abstract Class: An abstract class is similar to an interface but can also include implemented methods. However, it cannot be instantiated directly; it serves as a blueprint for other classes to inherit from. Abstract classes allow us to define common behavior while leaving some details to be implemented by subclasses.



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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.