OOP Concepts: Dynamic Binding and Message Passing

Classes and Objects

• A class is a user-defined data type that consists of data members and member functions.
• A class is like a blueprint for an object, representing a set of properties or methods common to all objects of one type.
• An object is an instance of a class, with its own identity, state, and behavior.

Aggregation

• Aggregation is a type of association where one class is part of another class, but can exist independently.
• It represents a "has-a" relationship between classes, where one class has another class as a part.
• The parts in an aggregation can exist independently of the whole.

Data Abstraction

• Data abstraction is the provision of only essential information about the data to the outside world, hiding background details or implementation.

Encapsulation

• Encapsulation is the wrapping up of data under a single unit, binding together code and the data it manipulates.
• In encapsulation, the variables or data of a class are hidden from other classes and can be accessed only through member functions of their class.

Inheritance

• Inheritance is the capability of a class to derive properties and characteristics from another class.
• It is represented by a diamond shape with an arrow.

Polymorphism

• Polymorphism is the ability of a message to be displayed in more than one form.

Dynamic Binding

• Dynamic binding is the decision of the code to be executed in response to a function call at runtime.

Message Passing

• Message passing is a form of communication in object-oriented programming and parallel programming, where objects communicate by sending and receiving information.
• A message for an object is a request for execution of a procedure, invoking a function in the receiving object.

Advantages of OOP

• OOP is faster and easier to execute.
• It provides a clear structure for programs.
• It makes it possible to create full reusable applications with less code and shorter development time.
• It helps to keep the code DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) and makes it easier to maintain, modify, and debug.

UML (Unified Modeling Language)

• UML is a general-purpose modeling language that defines a standard way to visualize the design of a system.
• It is not a programming language, but rather a visual language.

Structural UML Diagrams

Class Diagram

• The class diagram is the most widely used UML diagram, depicting the static structure of a system by showing classes, their methods, and attributes.
• It helps to identify relationships between different classes or objects.

Composite Structure Diagram

• Composite structure diagrams represent the internal structure of a class and its interaction points with other parts of the system.
• They model collaborations and represent the internal structure of a structured classifier using parts, ports, and connectors.

Object Diagram

• An object diagram is like a screenshot of the instances in a system and the relationships between them.

Test your knowledge on OOP concepts such as dynamic binding and message passing. Learn about how dynamic binding allows the code to be executed at runtime, and how objects communicate through message passing in object-oriented programming.