Is Object-oriented the Answer?

Abstract

This chapter investigates the object-oriented approach to systems and systems development to see whether this new paradigm is actually an advance or whether the hype surrounding it is based on pure fantasy. A summary definition of the object model is presented along with a summary of some of the features expected of something claiming to be object-oriented. Some computer architectures and programming languages are compared and contrasted with the object model, resulting in the view that, indeed, the object-oriented approach has much to offer. The chapter then goes on to consider some of the issues relating to development environments. Again the object-oriented approach has much to offer. There are, however, a number of problematic issues, both technical and from the point of view of usability, in current object-oriented programming languages and development environments. Thus, whilst the paradigm has much to offer, it is clearly not the answer, only a step in evolution.