Ch 10 · Classes & Objects · C++
Topic 10 of 13 in C++ — Complete Tutorial (Beginner) — 2 lessons.
Defining a Class
C++ is built around classes. A class is a blueprint that bundles data (member variables) with the functions that work on it (member functions, or methods). From one class you create many objects. The public section lists what outside code can use; the private section hides internal data. A special method called the constructor (same name as the class) runs when you create an object, setting it up.
public, private & Encapsulation
Keeping data private and exposing controlled public methods is called encapsulation — a core idea of good class design. Private members can only be touched by the class's own methods, so the class can guarantee its rules (a balance never goes negative). This protects the object's state from accidental misuse by outside code.