Epoch 2: Advanced Java Concepts
In this phase, we delve into more complex topics:
Factory method for object creation and Interfaces Moving data structures between objects, and Shared field composition. This will provide Star Fleet engineers a deeper understanding of object-oriented programming and data handling in Java.
Section 6: Factory Methods for Object Creation**
To understand and implement the Factory Method design pattern for object creation.
- The Factory Method is a creational design pattern that provides an interface for creating objects in a superclass, but allows subclasses to alter the type of objects that will be created.
- This pattern is particularly useful when the exact type of objects to be created is not known until runtime.
**Lab Exercise**:
1. **Defining a Factory Interface**:
- Create an interface `VehicleFactory` with a method `createVehicle`.
2. **Implementing the Factory**:
- Create classes `CarFactory` and `BikeFactory` that implement `VehicleFactory`.
3. **Creating Objects Using the Factory**:
- In the main method, use these factories to create different vehicle objects.
ACTIVITY:
Implement a factory method for a Star Fleet equipment class, allowing for the creation of different types of equipment.
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Section 7: Data Structures in Java
**Objective**: To explore and utilize different data structures like Lists, Sets, and Maps in Java.
**Lecture Notes**:
- Data structures are used to store and organize data efficiently.
- Java Collections Framework provides several data structures like ArrayList, HashSet, and HashMap.
**Lab Exercise**:
1. **Working with Lists**:
- Create an `ArrayList` and perform basic operations like add, remove, and iterate over it.
2. **Using Sets**:
- Demonstrate the use of a `HashSet` and explain its property of storing unique elements.
3. **Exploring Maps**:
- Create a `HashMap` and demonstrate how to store and retrieve key-value pairs.
**Assignment**: Create a program that maps Star Fleet officers to their respective departments using a HashMap.
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Section 8: Moving Data Structures Between Objects**
**Objective**: To learn how to pass data structures between objects using method calls.
**Lecture Notes**:
- Data structures can be passed as parameters to methods of other objects.
- This is useful for transferring a collection of data from one object to another.
**Lab Exercise**:
1. **Creating a Data Structure**:
- Create an `ArrayList` of `String` objects representing Star Fleet equipment.
2. **Passing Data Structure to Methods**:
- Create a method in a class that takes the ArrayList as a parameter and prints its contents.
**Assignment**: Write a program where one object creates a data structure and another object processes the data in it.
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Section 9: Shared Field Composition
To understand and implement shared field composition in Java.
**Lecture Notes**:
- Shared field composition involves creating objects that share references to common objects.
- This is a way to create complex relationships between objects.
**Lab Exercise**:
1. **Defining Shared Fields**:
- Create a class `Engine` and use it as a shared field in the `Car` class.
2. **Implementing Shared Composition**:
- Demonstrate how multiple cars can share the same engine object.
**Assignment**: Design a shared composition scenario for a Star Fleet vessel's navigation system.
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Section 10: Consumer Objects and Data Structures
To create and utilize consumer objects that unpack and use data encoded in data structures.
**Lecture Notes**:
- Consumer objects are designed to process collections of data.
- These objects can extract, modify, or use data stored in data structures.
**Lab Exercise**:
1. **Creating a Consumer Object**:
- Design a class `EquipmentManager` that processes an ArrayList of equipment.
2. **Unpacking Data Structures**:
- Implement methods in `EquipmentManager` to display and modify equipment details.
**Assignment**: Develop a consumer object that manages a fleet of Star Fleet vehicles, updating their status and deployment.
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These sections provide an advanced exploration into object-oriented programming, design patterns, and data handling in Java. Star Fleet engineers should be encouraged to experiment with these concepts, tailoring them to the specific needs of Star Fleet operations and the unique challenges they may face in their engineering roles.