instance - definition and analysis

[ice8595]

Hi there,

I am doing a programming project in which there is a written essay/report component along with a coding component.

In my codes, I used instance variables so that I wouldn't keep on recreating new objects. And every time I need to call a Rec object I just use:
Rec* r = Rec::instance();

Rec* Rec::instance()
{
if (!myInstance)
{
myInstance = new Rec();
}

return myInstance;
}

My problem is that I am having trouble putting this all into words savvy enough for the report. I am having trouble explaining exactly what instance objects are and how it is useful in this case, and make it sound clear and understandable at the same time.

I'm wondering if anyone can help me, whether they know any good resources, or if they are good with words.

Thanks a bunch

[sicarie]

Hi there,

I am doing a programming project in which there is a written essay/report component along with a coding component.

In my codes, I used instance variables so that I wouldn't keep on recreating new objects. And every time I need to call a Rec object I just use:
Rec* r = Rec::instance();

Rec* Rec::instance()
{
if (!myInstance)
{
myInstance = new Rec();
}

return myInstance;
}

My problem is that I am having trouble putting this all into words savvy enough for the report. I am having trouble explaining exactly what instance objects are and how it is useful in this case, and make it sound clear and understandable at the same time.

I'm wondering if anyone can help me, whether they know any good resources, or if they are good with words.

Thanks a bunch

It looks like you're using the Singleton design pattern. Does that help, or am I mis-interpreting your code?

[ice8595]

It looks like you're using the Singleton design pattern. Does that help, or am I mis-interpreting your code?

wow...thanks so much

wasn't it silly how I wrote the program without knowing the name of the method i'm using? I took an idea someone suggested to me and just kinda went with it. And I am now stuck on explaining exactly what I did. haha

[sicarie]

wow...thanks so much

wasn't it silly how I wrote the program without knowing the name of the method i'm using? I took an idea someone suggested to me and just kinda went with it. And I am now stuck on explaining exactly what I did. haha

Yeah, I had no idea what they were until I took a grad-level Java programming course. You learn something new every day. They actually help quite a bit, once you start looking at them. )