Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

So we have already learned about Programming Paradigms in our previous chapter. And we have seen Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) listed as one of the Programming Paradigms.

As the name suggests it has something to do with Objects. But, before going into details of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). Let me ask you a simple question first.

What if we will be asked to choose or select one single word for all living creatures and other things around us, like houses, cars, motorcycles, wagons, roads, etc. that we will use to refer or call those every time we refer those in our communication. Many different words might come in your mind including things, entities and objects. Yes, we can call everything an object even in our real world language.

Let’s assume we want to build an application that has something to do with automobiles industry. We will need a way to tell computer via our program about a vehicle, that is an object. We will also need a way to tell our program about steering wheels, tires, doors, seats, etc. and these are all different type of objects. Therefore, we needed a way to tell a computer or program about different type of objects. That’s why Object-Oriented Paradigm created in first place. And in Object-Oriented Paradigm or Let’s say an Object-Oriented world everything can be referred as an ‘Object’.

Have you ever watched movie “The Matrix”? One of my favorites by the way, and might be favorites of many other programmers as well. In this movie there is a scene where Neo (Lead character) meet with Morpheus (Let’s call him the coach) first time. In that scene Morpheus try to explain Neo about “The Matrix”, like this using exact same words.

Do you want to know what it is? The Matrix is everywhere, it is all around us.

Morpheus from The Matrix

So in Object-Oriented Paradigm or Programming objects are everywhere. We can call or refer everything as an object. And an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Language is a language that based on the concept of ‘Objects’. In such programming language we work with objects or in other words we handle or treat everything as an Object.

I believe you are very much clear about OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) now, if still not, you can ask your questions as comments below. I will be happy to explain. And if you haven’t watched that movie, The Matrix, yet. I would recommend you to go and watch it. It is a classic for people like us, The Programmers. Otherwise, let’s move on to our next chapter and discuss about some core concepts of OOP. Please click on ‘Next’ to continue.