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.