Difference Between Class & Object in Java

Key Differences Between a Class and an Object

While fundamentally related, a class and an object represent different concepts in Java. The clearest way to see the distinction is through a direct comparison.

Basis of Comparison	Class	Object
Definition	A blueprint or template that defines attributes and methods.	A real-world entity that is an instance of a class.
Nature	It is a logical entity.	It is a physical entity.
Memory Allocation	No memory is allocated when a class is defined.	Memory is allocated on the heap whenever an object is created.
Existence	Exists at compile-time.	Created and exists at run-time.
Declaration	Declared once using the class keyword.	Can be created many times as needed using the new keyword.
Analogy	A recipe for a cake.	The actual cake baked from the recipe.

In summary, a class is the definition, and an object is the embodiment of that definition. You cannot have an object without a class, just as you cannot build a house without a blueprint.