$instance Statement - Define Instance Template

∟$instance Statement - Define Instance Template

This section describes the $instance statement for defining instance template.

The $instance statement is for defining instance properties and methods within the class definition body using the following syntax:

$class class_name: {
   ...
   $instance template_name: {
      template_name.property_name = ...; 
      ...
      $method template_name.method_name(): {...};
      ...
   }
}

The instance template is like a model house created by the builder to show to potential clients. If a client like it and order for a new house, the builder will create a copy of the model house and give it the client.

Back to the H language, if you like what you see in the instance template, the list of properties and methods, you call the class constructor function to create a new instance (or object).

Example of $instance statements:

$class user: {
   
   # $instance statement to define an instance template
   $instance x: {
      x.login = "guest";
      x.password = "DontTell";
      $method x.changePassword(newPassword): {
         x.password = newPassword;
      }
   }
}