What Is Object-Oriented Programming Language?
To simply answer "What is an object-oriented programming language?", it is a
programming model based on the concept of objects and classes. In this model,
programmers define the functions that can be applicable to the data structures
and their data type. Object-oriented programming turns data structure into an
object, including both data and functions. It encourages the reusing of these
objects in the same and other programmes as well.
For example, we create a class ‘motorcycle' that represents all the properties a
motorcycle has, such as colour, model and brand name. In the next step, we create
an instance of a motorcycle type object and can name it my motorcycle to represent
a specific motorcycle. A motorcycle can only function after uniting multiple parts
such as the handle, engine, wheels, headlight and other parts. So, here, each part
combines with others to make a single object that contains different data
attributes.
Basics concepts of object-oriented programming
The four basic concepts of object-oriented programming are inheritance,
polymorphism, abstraction and encapsulation. The following explanation of these
four basic concepts can help you get better insights into object-oriented
programming (OOP):
1. Inheritance
In object-oriented programming, inheritance is a mechanism where programmers
can derive a class from another class. This concept of OOP can be useful in giving
custom logic to existing frameworks and in declaring different exceptions.
Inheritance also allows programmers to reuse previously written codes. This
removes the burden of writing the same codes again, as programmers can make a
derived class inherit the property of its parent class. For example, one can create
two child classes and name them hatchback and sedan inherited from the parent
class car.
There are the following five different variations in inheritance in OOP languages:
Single inheritance: It is the simplest form of inheritance where a class
inherits only one parent class. Single inheritance enables code reusability
and adds new features to the existing class.
Multiple inheritance: When a class inherits more than one parent class, it
becomes a multiple inheritance. As the child class inherits properties from
different parent classes, it has access to all of its objects. It is different from
a single inheritance property, as it allows an object or class to inherit from
more than one object or class.
Multilevel inheritance: When one class inherits properties from a derived
class, it is multilevel inheritance. For example, class A extends class B and
class B extends class C.
Hierarchical inheritance: In this variation of inheritance, the different child
classes inherit a single parent class. For example, a parent class C can have
three subclasses, D, E and F.
Hybrid inheritance: If there is a combination of more than one type of
inheritance, it is a hybrid inheritance. It can be a combination of simple,
multiple and hierarchical inheritances.
2. Polymorphism
Polymorphism is the core concept of the object-oriented programming language
that allows programmers to build logical codes. In this concept of OOP,
programmers can access objects of different types through the same interface
where each type provides its own implementation of the interface.
The following two types of polymorphism are useful in OOP:
Compile-time polymorphism: Also called static binding polymorphism, it
means binding occurs at compile time. Method overloading is an example of
compile-time polymorphism. It allows programmers to use objects of the
same name while their parameters can be different.
Runtime polymorphism: Runtime polymorphism involves dynamic binding.
Method overriding is an example of runtime polymorphism. In this process,
an object binds with the functionality at the run time.
3. Abstraction
This is the core concept of object-oriented programming that allows
programmers to be abstract or pick out common features of the objects
and procedures. In other words, abstraction means hiding internal details
and showing functionality. The primary aim of programmers behind
using abstraction is to handle complexity by hiding irrelevant details. It is
an extension of encapsulation.
For example, a customer may only use a few selections of tools like
petrol, accelerator, clutch, brake, wheel and odometer of a motorcycle.
Most of the engineering work remains inconsequential to the customer
till it continues to function properly. To make a motorcycle run, a lot of
pieces and parts work together. Letting the details and information get
exposed to the customers can be a dangerous distraction. This is the
concept of abstraction that is useful in many fields of engineering.
4. Encapsulation
It is the basic concept of object-oriented programming that helps
programmers to bind the data and functions together that manipulate
the data. Encapsulation of data leads to the OOP concept of data hiding
and keeps them safe from outside attention. One of the common
examples of encapsulation is a calculator, as anybody using a calculator
understands its functions, but may not require an understanding of how
it works inside. Encapsulation can help in hiding irrelevant details from
the outside world and highlight the necessary characteristics of a class to
the users.
Advantages of using object-oriented programming
Here are advantages that programmers may get from object-oriented
programming:
Easier troubleshooting
If a problem occurs while working with OOP, the programmers know
exactly where to look for it. OOP helps programmers solve the issue
without going through each and every line of the entire code. It helps in
breaking the program into smaller problems and solving one error at a
time. OOP removes the possibility of code duplicity, which helps the IT
team to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
Better productivity
Object-oriented programming languages are easier and usable for doing
big projects. It can help programmers in improving the quality of
software, productivity and lesser maintenance cost. OOP allows objects to
extend and include new attributes. Due to its reusability, modularity and
extensibility, object-oriented programming provides better productivity
than other programming techniques.
Lower development cost
Programmers can reuse a class multiple times as per their requirements.
As programmers can reuse the code, object-oriented programming helps
in lowering the development cost. Another reason behind the lower
development cost can be putting more effort into object-oriented
analysis and design. It promises a better quality of software at a lesser
cost of development.
Easier to maintain
OOP software can be easier to maintain, as its design is modular. In OOP,
programmers can update different parts of the system without making
large-scale changes. Inheritance helps programmers in eliminating
redundant code and extending the use of existing classes. As it is easier
to maintain, programmers can save time and easily modify the codes by
adding new changes to them.
Career as an object-oriented programmer
There is a high demand for developers and programmers with expert
knowledge and experience in object-oriented programming in the
software industry. Many companies hire candidates with programming,
analytical, detail-oriented and troubleshooting skills. There are various
industries, such as health care, retail, e-commerce and finance industries,
that look for talented OOP developers. Some of the examples of OOP
languages are Java, C++, Python and Simula. Professionals with a good
understanding of these languages can also perform well in their careers
as object-oriented programmers.
Different companies may require different levels of qualifications
depending on the level of the job role. Many candidates start with a
bachelor's degree and later enhance their career by pursuing a master's
degree in a relevant field. Candidates with a minimum of three to five
years of experience in the field related to object-oriented programming
can apply for the role of lead technician, programmer analyst or senior
software engineer. The companies may expect the following things from
object-oriented programming professionals:
regular and consistent towards work
excellent communication skills to communicate with project
managers and stakeholders
authorship of technical documentation and other presentation
materials
expertise in making documentation of required software
knowledge of designing, developing and customising applications
Career as an object-oriented programmer
There is a high demand for developers and programmers with expert
knowledge and experience in object-oriented programming in the
software industry. Many companies hire candidates with programming,
analytical, detail-oriented and troubleshooting skills. There are various
industries, such as health care, retail, e-commerce and finance industries,
that look for talented OOP developers. Some of the examples of OOP
languages are Java, C++, Python and Simula. Professionals with a good
understanding of these languages can also perform well in their careers
as object-oriented programmers.
Different companies may require different levels of qualifications
depending on the level of the job role. Many candidates start with a
bachelor's degree and later enhance their career by pursuing a master's
degree in a relevant field. Candidates with a minimum of three to five
years of experience in the field related to object-oriented programming
can apply for the role of lead technician, programmer analyst or senior
software engineer. The companies may expect the following things from
object-oriented programming professionals:
regular and consistent towards work
excellent communication skills to communicate with project
managers and stakeholders
authorship of technical documentation and other presentation
materials
expertise in making documentation of required software
knowledge of designing, developing and customising applications
Career as an object-oriented programmer
There is a high demand for developers and programmers with expert
knowledge and experience in object-oriented programming in the
software industry. Many companies hire candidates with programming,
analytical, detail-oriented and troubleshooting skills. There are various
industries, such as health care, retail, e-commerce and finance industries,
that look for talented OOP developers. Some of the examples of OOP
languages are Java, C++, Python and Simula. Professionals with a good
understanding of these languages can also perform well in their careers
as object-oriented programmers.
Different companies may require different levels of qualifications
depending on the level of the job role. Many candidates start with a
bachelor's degree and later enhance their career by pursuing a master's
degree in a relevant field. Candidates with a minimum of three to five
years of experience in the field related to object-oriented programming
can apply for the role of lead technician, programmer analyst or senior
software engineer. The companies may expect the following things from
object-oriented programming professionals:
regular and consistent towards work
excellent communication skills to communicate with project
managers and stakeholders
authorship of technical documentation and other presentation
materials
expertise in making documentation of required software
knowledge of designing, developing and customising applications
