What This Document Is
This document represents the lecture materials for the third session of an introductory Computer Science course (CS 110) at West Virginia University. It focuses on the foundational concept of classes within the Java programming language, specifically exploring how to utilize pre-built, or “built-in,” classes to enhance programming capabilities. The lecture bridges the gap between understanding the *idea* of classes and actually *using* them in practical code. It delves into the benefits of leveraging existing code libraries rather than starting from scratch.
Why This Document Matters
This material is crucial for any student beginning their journey in object-oriented programming with Java. It’s particularly helpful for those who are new to the idea of code reusability and the advantages of utilizing established libraries. Understanding built-in classes is a core skill needed to efficiently develop more complex programs and avoid redundant coding efforts. Students will find this lecture beneficial when starting assignments that require string manipulation or other common programming tasks. It lays the groundwork for future lectures on defining custom classes.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This lecture provides a foundational understanding of built-in classes and doesn’t cover the intricacies of *creating* your own classes. It focuses on how to interpret documentation and apply existing tools, rather than building new ones. While it introduces the concept of how data is stored within these classes, it doesn’t delve into low-level memory management details. It also assumes a basic understanding of fundamental programming concepts like variables and methods, as covered in prior lectures.
What This Document Provides
* An overview of the role of classes in object-oriented programming.
* Explanation of the advantages of using pre-built Java classes.
* Guidance on accessing and interpreting official Java class documentation.
* Introduction to the concept of Abstract Data Types (ADTs).
* Discussion of the difference between primitive and reference variables.
* An initial exploration of the “String” class as a practical example.
* Insight into how methods are applied to objects.
