What is the process of creating an object from a class called?

The process of creating an object from a class is referred to as instantiation. When a class is defined, it serves as a blueprint for creating objects, which are instances of that class. Instantiation involves allocating memory for the new object and initializing it with data. This process allows a program to utilize the properties and behaviors defined within the class structure, essentially bringing the abstract definition to a concrete form that can be manipulated and interacted with in the code.

The term "instantiation" is precise in object-oriented programming, emphasizing the transition from a class (the template) to an object (the actual entity created from that template). Understanding this concept is crucial for working with objects, as it forms the foundation for implementing various design patterns, managing object lifecycles, and utilizing inheritance and polymorphism within the realm of software development. This clarity around instantiation helps developers maintain and scale their code effectively.