Objectives

This section is meant to induce some reflection on the nature of object-oriented computing. An intuitive operational characterization is given of the model underlying object-based computation.

Points to emphasize

Hints

Most students lack the knowledge to appreciate the ideas concerning computational complexity. However, this section allows you to discuss the notion that object orientation is meant to manage the complexity of software development.

Question

  1. Explain the meaning of the phrase ``{\em object orientation reduces the complexity of programming}.''

Comments

For understanding the nature of computation, mathematical models are indispensable. An interesting research issue is whether we may devise an appropriate mathematical model for object oriented computing. See also part III.