SE450: Java classes: The canonical form of classes [14/22]

In order to behave properly in the Java environment, you need to be aware of some issues when you construct your classes.

Many of these issues will come up as you move into larger projects and programs

We use the term the canonical form to describe classes that will be well behaved when manipulated by the java run-time environment and other classes, such as the collections framework

When you design classes for general use, you should consider the following:

• No-arg constructor
• Object equality
• String representation
• cloning
• Serialization (persistence)