What does MyClass.class in Java represent?
<p>I have come across code in the form:</p>

<pre><code>MyClass.class.getName();
</code></pre>

<p>Is .class a property?</p>

<p>Is it applicable to ALL classes? (is it inherited from Object class?)</p>

<p>What type of object is returned by .class ?</p>

<p>What other functions like getName() does the .class have?</p>

<p>I realize that this is a very basic question, but I wasn't able to locate comprehensive information in the Javadocs, and it would be really helpful if some practical application of .class could be given.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>
