How To Think Like a Computer Scientist C++ Edition The Pretext Interactive Version

Glossary Glossary

instance.

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An example from a category. My cat is an instance of the category “feline things.” Every object is an instance of some type.

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instance variable.

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One of the named data items that make up an structure. Each structure has its own copy of the instance variables for its type.

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constant reference parameter.

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A parameter that is passed by reference but that cannot be modified.

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pure function.

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A function whose result depends only on its parameters, and that has so effects other than returning a value.

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functional programming style.

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A style of program design in which the majority of functions are pure.

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modifier.

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A function that changes one or more of the objects it receives as parameters, and usually returns void.

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fill-in function.

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A function that takes an “empty” object as a parameter and fills in its instance variables instead of generating a return value.

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algorithm.

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A set of instructions for solving a class of problems by a mechanical, unintelligent process.

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