[Cyborg Ninja]

I had difficulty in the past grasping the concept of object oriented programming. I was using C++ and Java, and I struggled because of my lack of understanding the basics. I now have a broader background in programming and so I can pick up other languages pretty easily, but I'd like to find a language that will help me best understand OOP. What language do you think that would be?

[Martyr2]

well, to tell you the truth C++ and Java are the two that would show you what you need to know. You could pick up a .NET language and learn OOP, but if you really want to fully understand you want to look at C++ and or Java. C++ is where OOP began for the most part.

You said you had trouble with C++ and Java in the past. When you start having those troubles, that is when you need to start reading tutorials here on DIC and asking questions. I am sure the members here can clarify what is the problem with examples and helping you fix code you have written.

It just takes practice.

[nirvanarupali]

As far as OOP is concern, I pick C++. I am not learning yet in Java which also good for OOP but as they say, it is a descendant of C++. So choose both.

[1lacca]

I was told a while back, that if you REALLY want to understand OOP then learn Smalltalk. I did, but didn't find this claim justified.

[baavgai]

Java is probably the best for learning Object Oriented design. C++ allows you to ignore OO practices, if you like. Smalltalk ( will not mock the Apple ) is dynamically typed, which I believe is a show stopper, no matter how much other good OO stuff you have going on. A number of other OO styled languages are also loosely typed in one way or another. Or, worse, have weird C++ legacy cruft.

Java is interestingly purist in their OO goals. A number of elements that could have been adopted, particular C#'s delegate model, are pointedly ignored because they're not OO enough. If you're strickly looking for OOP, I believe Java will force you into the right habits. Just avoid static, other than main, and you'll be fine.

[Cyborg Ninja]

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll try with Java. To be honest, I haven't used Java since 1.3!

[Amadeus]

If you really want to grasp the concepts of OO using Java, I'd suggest you check out an IDE named BlueJ. It really reinforces the concept.

[Steven Smith]

I'm a bit biased as well toward Java... not because I think its the best language out there for all purposes, but I am used to it.

Whatever language you decide to pick up, try to fight through some more official tutorials. You may skip all syntax related stuff in the official tutorials if you prefer to pick that up bit by bit, but find as many good descriptions of classes and objects as possible. Additionally, perform extra work identifying classes/object pairs in real life and writing code to describe how they interact.

The biggest leap for me in the OOP languages was learning to correctly identify where to break classes and what methods make sense to delegate to each class. Once you crest this learning curve, its mostly syntax.

[capty99]

i learned java using blue j.
knowing just the basics of it has made everything so much easier.

[red_4900]

just a quick question. what is OOP anyway?

Quote

from wiki : Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that uses "objects" and their interactions to design applications and computer programs. It is based on several techniques, including encapsulation, modularity, polymorphism, and inheritance. It was not commonly used in mainstream software application development until the early 1990s. Many modern programming languages now support OOP.

is it just another way of using programming language? a bit unclear.

and in what field is it important? or it's important in all field?

sorry for the noob question =.="

[Tom9729]

It's just another way of doing things.

I'm surprised nobody linked to wikipedia.

This post has been edited by Tom9729: 26 March 2008 - 05:28 PM

[MitkOK]

I recommmend Python or Ruby( pure object-oriented ) where OOP coding is absolutely fun

This post has been edited by MitkOK: 27 March 2008 - 09:50 AM