classof
Classof is a term used in programming to denote an operation or function that returns the class of a given object at runtime. It is a form of reflective capability found in many dynamic or introspective languages, and its exact name and return value vary by language.
Naming variants and scope vary across languages. Common variants include class-of, class_of, and classOf. The concept
Typical uses of classof include debugging, generic programming, and the implementation of type-based dispatch or behavior
Limitations and variations exist. Not all languages provide a distinct class-of operation, and in statically typed
See also: type, getClass, reflection, metaclass, class (in object-oriented programming).