Instantiate
In the context of mainframe computing, particularly within object-oriented programming paradigms like **OO COBOL** or **Java on z/OS**, to instantiate means to create a concrete **object** (an instance) from a predefined **class**. This process involves allocating memory for the object and initializing its state according to the class's definition.
Key Characteristics
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- Object Creation: It is the fundamental action of bringing an object into existence from its blueprint (the class).
- Memory Allocation: During instantiation, storage is reserved in memory (e.g., heap storage) for the new object's attributes and methods.
- State Initialization: The newly created object's attributes are set to their initial values, often through a constructor method defined in the class.
- Independent Entity: Each instance created from a class is a distinct, independent entity with its own unique state, even if they share the same behavior defined by the class.
- Dynamic Process: Instantiation typically occurs at runtime, allowing programs to create objects as needed based on application logic and available resources on z/OS.
Use Cases
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- OO COBOL Program Development: Creating instances of user-defined classes (e.g.,
SET myCustomerObject TO NEW CustomerClass) to model business entities likeCustomer,Order, orAccountwithin a COBOL application running on z/OS. - Java on z/OS Applications: Instantiating objects from standard Java libraries or custom classes (e.g.,
MyClass myObject = new MyClass();) to build enterprise applications deployed in a z/OS Java Virtual Machine (JVM). - CICS Transaction Processing (Conceptual): While not direct "instantiation" in the OOP sense, when a CICS transaction is initiated, it creates a unique instance of a transaction definition, along with its associated task and program execution context.
- Dynamic Data Structures: In lower-level programming (e.g., Assembler or C on z/OS), dynamically allocating control blocks or data areas at runtime can be conceptually similar to creating an instance of a data structure template.
- OO COBOL Program Development: Creating instances of user-defined classes (e.g.,
Related Concepts
Instantiation is inextricably linked to Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), where classes serve as templates and objects are the concrete instances of those classes. It relies heavily on memory management techniques to allocate and deallocate storage for objects. In languages like Java, constructors are special methods specifically designed to facilitate the instantiation and initialization of objects. It contrasts with static members, which belong to the class itself rather than to any specific instance.
- Proper Initialization: Always ensure
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