Definition: Instantiate

According to techopedia.com, “To instantiate is to create an instance of an object in an object-oriented programming (OOP) language. An instantiated object is given a name and created in memory or on disk using the structure described within a class declaration.”

What it basically means

Create

What’s the difference?

I don’t think there’s an awful lot to be honest! From conversations I’ve had, and from the definition above, I think instantiate provides a little more nuance over create.

As noted above, instantiate principally refers to the creation of an object and its allocation to memory. Create may seem a little too basic in this instance as instantiate provides a bit more detail around how it’s created with the reference to memory allocation.

However, for my level of expertise and handle of the English language, *create is more than a suitable substitution!