Eiffel Glossary

Eiffel uses a precisely defined terminology. That terminology sometimes sounds strange to programmers used to other languages, but it's only because (1) there has been a systematic effort to classify object-oriented concepts in a logical way; (2) some of the terms predate terminology that is used in other languages. You will see, however, that behind every choice of term there is a carefully devised rationale.

Please try to keep the list sorted alphabetically.

Attribute

A property of a class that denotes a field present in each instance of the class.

Cluster

A group of logically related classes that have something in common. The corresponding class texts are generally stored in files of a single directory.

Feature

An operation (command or query) applicable to all instances of the class, and specified in the class text. Routines and attributes are examples of fetures.

Library

A group of related classes, devised to cover all the facilities needed in a certain application areas. A library is made of a number of clusters.

Routine

In a class, a feature with an associated algorithm, so that calling the feature executes that algorithm.