Classes: Syntax and the this Pointer

In the previous lesson, we learned the theory behind OOP and how classes are used to implement various OOP concepts like abstraction and encapsulation. In this lesson, we’ll explore the coding aspect of this concept. We’ll learn how to implement a class, its syntax, and its various use cases in complex coding examples.

Definition and syntax of a class

As mentioned before, a class represents an ADT with attributes and functionality. It has two parts: public and private (limited to our scope). Using this division, we can hide sensitive data and limit the user’s access to its private members, allowing a desirable response from the class and promoting the notion of code extendibility. Let’s get started.

In C++ programming, we use the class keyword before the user-defined class name to declare a class.