class
1.
The prototype for an {object} in an {object-oriented language}; analogous to a {derived type} in a
{procedural language}. A class may also be considered to be a
set of objects which share a common structure and behaviour.
The structure of a class is determined by the {class
variables} which represent the {state} of an object of that
class and the behaviour is given by a set of {methods}
associated with the class.
Classes are related in a {class hierarchy}. One class may be
a specialisation (a "{subclass}") of another (one of its
"{superclasses}") or it may be composed of other classes or it
may use other classes in a {client-server} relationship. A
class may be an {abstract class} or a {concrete class}.
See also {signature}.
3. One of three types of {Internet addresses}
distinguished by their most significant bits.
3. A language developed by the {Andrew Project}.
It was one of the first attempts to add {object-oriented}
features to {C}.
(1995-05-01)