Data type Object Foundation

The data type "object" designates a value which has its own variables and program code. The variables within an object are identified as member variables and the segments of program code an object can execute are called methods. Access to member variables and methods is accomplished by sending messages to the objects.

Objects are defined by a class which determines the member variables and methods an object can use. A class must be created during program execution, and because of this objects cannot be programmed as literal values.

The Xbase++ object model permits object-oriented programming including the declaration of new classes and inheritance (including multiple inheritance). A detailed description of the object model and tips for object-oriented programming can be found in the chapter "Object-Oriented Programming".