classbased

Classbased is a term used to describe programming approaches and language features that organize software around classes. In classbased design, a class provides a blueprint for objects; it defines the data fields (attributes) and the operations (methods) that an object of that class can perform. Instances created from a class share structure and behavior defined by the class, enabling code reuse and organization.

Key concepts include encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Encapsulation groups state and behavior within a class and controls access via modifiers. Inheritance allows new classes to extend existing ones, forming hierarchies and enabling specialization. Polymorphism lets code operate on objects of different classes through a common interface, often via method overriding. Other typical features are constructors for initialization, destructors in resource-managed languages, static members, and, in many languages, interfaces or abstract classes to define contracts.

Classbased vs prototype-based: In classbased languages, objects are typically created as instances of classes; in prototype-based languages, objects are created by cloning existing objects. Some languages blend both approaches; JavaScript, for example, provides a class syntax while the underlying inheritance remains prototype-based.

Examples and usage: Classbased design is common in Java, C++, C#, Kotlin, Swift, Python, and many others. Some languages enforce strong type systems and explicit interfaces, while others are dynamically typed yet class-based.

Criticism and considerations: Classbased systems can lead to rigid hierarchies and boilerplate, but they enable strong tooling, static analysis, and clear API boundaries. Modern practice often favors composition over inheritance and the development of small, well-defined classes.