Data Structures and Algorithms with Object-Oriented Design Patterns in C++

Object-Oriented Design

Traditional approaches to the design of software have been either data oriented or process oriented. Data-oriented methodologies emphasize the representation of information and the relationships between the parts of the whole. The actions which operate on the data are of less significance. On the other hand, process-oriented design methodologies emphasize the actions performed by a software artifact; the data are of lesser importance.

It is now commonly held that object-oriented methodologies are more effective for managing the complexity which arises in the design of large and complex software artifacts than either data-oriented or process-oriented methodologies. This is because data and processes are given equal importance. Objects are used to combine data with the procedures that operate on that data. The main advantage of using objects is that they provide both abstraction and encapsulation.