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---
title: Classes
description: Unified data and behavior with Java-style organization and Rust-powered execution.
icon: Shapes
---
Classes in Mist bridge the gap between Java's organizational structure and Rust's performance. They group fields, constructors, and methods within a single cohesive block, using `fn` for methods and `*self` for the instance parameter.
## Basic Syntax
A class groups fields and methods together. Fields use semicolons and the `name Type` convention. Methods use `fn` and take `*self` as the first parameter for shared access.
```mist
pub class Logger {
prefix String;
pub fn info(*self, message *str) {
self.log(LogLevel::Info, message);
}
fn log(*self, level LogLevel, message *str) {
println!("{level} {} {}", self.prefix, message);
}
}
```
## The Constructor
Mist uses the explicit `constructor` keyword for initialization:
```mist
pub constructor() {
self.prefix = "default".to_string();
}
```
Constructors can take parameters:
```mist
pub constructor(prefix String) {
self.prefix = prefix;
}
```
## Instance Methods & `*self`
Methods use `*self` (shared reference) or `*mut self` (mutable reference) as the first parameter. The return type is placed after the parameter list.
```mist
pub fn warning(*self, message *str) {
self.log(LogLevel::Warning, message);
}
pub fn reset(*mut self) {
self.prefix = String::new();
}
```
## Inheritance
Classes support single inheritance with the `:` syntax. Use `super -> Super::new()` in the constructor to call the parent constructor. Override methods with `override` or `override(Parent)`.
```mist
pub class Animal {
pub name String;
constructor() {
self.name = "Rex".to_string();
}
pub fn speak(*self) {
println!("Unknown");
}
pub fn legs(*self) {
println!("Unknown");
}
}
pub class Dog : Animal {
constructor() {
super -> Super::new();
}
pub override fn speak(*self) {
println!("Woof!");
}
// Explicit override is useful for super inheritance
pub override(Animal) fn legs(*self) {
println!("4 legs");
}
}
```
## Generics
Classes support generic type parameters:
```mist
pub class Container<T> {
pub value T;
constructor(val T) {
self.value = val;
}
pub fn get(*self) *T {
&self.value
}
}
```
## Key Characteristics
- **Unified Scope**: Data and behavior live in one class block.
- **`fn` Methods**: Methods use the `fn` keyword, consistent with free functions.
- **`*self` Parameter**: The self reference is explicit and uses prefix `*` syntax.
- **Inheritance**: Single inheritance with `override` for polymorphic dispatch.
- **Encapsulation**: Visibility modifiers (`pub`) control API exposure.
- **Zero-Cost Classes**: Under the hood, Mist desugars these into idiomatic Rust structs and implementation blocks.