Object-oriented programming (OOP) and its principles

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Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a computer programming model that organizes software design around data, or objects, rather than functions and logic. An object can be defined as a data field that has unique attributes and behavior.

OOP focuses on the objects that developers want to manipulate rather than the logic required to manipulate them. This approach to programming is well-suited for programs that are large, complex and actively updated or maintained.

The organization of an object-oriented program also makes the method beneficial to collaborative development, where projects are divided into groups.

Additional benefits of OOP include code reusability, scalability and efficiency. Even when using microservices, developers should continue to apply the principles of OOP.

The first step in OOP is to collect all of the objects a programmer wants to manipulate and identify how they relate to each other -- an exercise often known as data modeling.

Examples of an object can range from physical entities, such as a human being who is described by properties like name and address, down to small computer programs, such as widgets.

Principles of OOP

Object-oriented programming is based on the following principles:

  • Encapsulation. The implementation and state of each object are privately held inside a defined boundary, or class. Other objects do not have access to this class or the authority to make changes but are only able to call a list of public functions, or methods. This characteristic of data hiding provides greater program security and avoids unintended data corruption.
  • Abstraction. Objects only reveal internal mechanisms that are relevant for the use of other objects, hiding any unnecessary implementation code. This concept helps developers more easily make changes and additions over time.
  • Inheritance. Relationships and subclasses between objects can be assigned, allowing developers to reuse a common logic while still maintaining a unique hierarchy. This property of OOP forces a more thorough data analysis, reduces development time and ensures a higher level of accuracy.
  • Polymorphism. Objects can take on more than one form depending on the context. The program will determine which meaning or usage is necessary for each execution of that object, cutting down the need to duplicate code.

Object-oriented programming languages

While Simula is credited as the first object-oriented programming language, the most popular OOP languages are:

  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • Python
  • C++
  • Visual Basic .NET
  • Ruby
  • Scala
  • PHP

OOPSLA is the annual conference for Object-Oriented Programming Systems, Languages and Applications.

Criticism of OOP

The object-oriented programming model has been criticized by developers for multiple reasons. The largest concern is that OOP overemphasizes the data component of software development and does not focus enough on computation or algorithms. Additionally, OOP code may be more complicated to write and take longer to compile.

Alternative methods to OOP include:

  • functional programming
  • structured programming
  • imperative programming

Most advanced programming languages give developers the option to combine these models.

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