A metaclass is a class of classes in OOP that modifies class information and can be linked to one or more classes. It is static and rarely changes, and can be applied to multiple classes. Not all OOP frameworks include metaclasses, and some offer only advanced formats.
A metaclass is used in object-oriented programming (OOP) and is typically thought of as a class of classes. Like most meta information, the metaclass runs behind the program and is never seen by the user. A metaclass is capable of modifying class information and can be linked to one or more classes, depending on the coding structure. Not all OOP frameworks include metaobject encoding, and some may only offer metaobject encoding in advanced formats.
In nearly all types of coding, metacoding is a tag or line of code that works on the program, but isn’t overtly seen by the user. The meta information is above the code and is able to change pieces of information or add to the program without directly interfering with the program. In OOP, a metaclass is used to take a class and change its behavior.
A class in OOP is a set of instances or objects placed under an umbrella term. For example, the programmer can create a class called “House”. Under this, the programmer creates objects that modify or reproduce aspects commonly found in a home, such as rooms, furniture, and people. While a class is capable of modifying these objects, a metaclass would work to modify the class itself.
Classes in OOP are usually dynamic and can go through many changes before the program is terminated. Metaclasses are static information that rarely changes unless the programmer finds that the meta information is malfunctioning. This prevents metaclasses from accidentally working with volatile data and also ensures that behavior modifiers cannot be manipulated.
Depending on the programmer’s needs, a metaclass will be linked to a single class or to multiple classes at once. Programmers most often attach the metaclass to a class and add unique rules or behaviors in the coding of the metaobject. If there are multiple classes that can all experience the same behavior change, the meta information will be applied to multiple different classes. This is possible because the metaobject encoding is titled and can easily be called when needed.
While this is a common occurrence in intermediate and advanced programs, some OOP structures don’t offer metaclasses. This is because there is no need for it or there are other objects or classes that have similar functions but are called something else. Some coding structures may even offer only complex and advanced metaclasses, while others have simpler ones for intermediate programmers to use.
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