5.1. The Object

As you learned in Chapter 2, objects are the basis of OOP. In order to better explain what a programming object is, we will first look at physical objects. A physical object can be anything around you that you can touch or feel. Take, for example, a television. Some characteristics of a television include type (plasma, LCD, or CRT), size (40 inches), brand (Sony, Vizio), weight, cost, and so on. Televisions also have functions. They can be turned on or off. You can change the channel, adjust the volume, and change brightness.

Some of these characteristics and functions are unique to televisions and some are not. For example, a couch in your house would probably not have the same characteristics as a television. You would want different information about a couch, such as material type, seating capability, and color. A couch might have only a few functions, such as converting to a bed.