Object Simulator Assignment

Overview

This assignment simulates object-oriented programming using C structs and function pointers to understand how Python's class system works at the implementation level.

Files in This Repository

• object_simulator.c: Assignment file with TODO sections to complete
• README.md: This file

What You Need to Do

Complete all TODO sections in object_simulator.c:

1. Part 1: Base Character Struct - Define the Character struct with data and function pointers
2. Part 2: Character Methods - Implement functions for character behavior
3. Part 3: Derived Character Types - Define Warrior and Mage structs using composition
4. Part 4: Polymorphic Methods - Implement specialized behavior for each character type

Compiling and Running

Mac/Linux:

gcc object_simulator.c -o object_simulator
./object_simulator

Windows:

gcc object_simulator.c -o object_simulator.exe
object_simulator.exe

Expected Output

Your completed program should produce output showing:

• Basic Character creation and attacks
• Warrior with specialized sword attack
• Mage with mana-based fireball attack
• Polymorphism demonstration where the same function call produces different behavior

Key Concepts

Structs as Classes

In Python, you define classes with data and methods. In C, you use structs containing:

• Data fields (like name, health)
• Function pointers (simulating methods like attack())

Function Pointers

Function pointers let you store references to functions in structs:

void (*attack)(struct Character* self);

This simulates Python's method binding where hero.attack() calls the appropriate function.

Composition-Based Inheritance

To simulate inheritance, embed the base struct as the first member:

typedef struct Warrior {
    Character base;  // "Inherits" Character
    int strength;    // Warrior-specific data
} Warrior;

Polymorphism

Same function call, different behavior based on object type:

hero.attack(&hero);     // Calls character_attack
warrior.attack(&warrior); // Calls warrior_attack

Submission

Submit:

1. GitHub repository URL with your completed object_simulator.c
2. Reflection document (reflection.txt or reflection.md) with 500-600 words