Class vs Object

Introduction

A class and an object are closely related, but they are not the same. A class defines the structure, while an object is the actual entity created from that structure. Definition: A class is a blueprint, whereas an object is a real instance of that blueprint.

Visual Comparison

One class, many objects — the class is the mold, each object is a distinct casting.

class Dog {
    String name;
    Dog(String name) { this.name = name; }
}

public class Kennel {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Dog is the CLASS (a single blueprint)
        Dog a = new Dog("Rex");   // object 1 — its own state
        Dog b = new Dog("Bella"); // object 2 — independent state

        System.out.println(a.name); // Rex
        System.out.println(b.name); // Bella
        System.out.println(a == b); // false — different objects
    }
}