Object-Oriented Design
In the object-oriented software development process, the analysis model, which is initially formed through object-oriented analysis (OOA), undergoes a transformation during object-oriented design (OOD). This evolution is crucial because it shapes the analysis model into a detailed design model, essentially serving as a blueprint for constructing the software.
The outcome of object-oriented design, or OOD, manifests in a design model characterized by multiple levels of modularity. This modularity is expressed in two key ways:
- Subsystem Partitioning:
- At a higher level, major components of the system are organized into subsystems.
- This practice is similar to creating modules at the system level, providing a structured and organized approach to managing the complexity of the software.
- Object Encapsulation:
- A more granular form of modularity is achieved through the encapsulation of data manipulation operations into objects. ” It’s like putting specific tasks (or operations) and the data they need into little boxes called “objects.”
- Each object does its job neatly and keeps things organized. So, if our game has a character jumping, we put all the jumping stuff neatly inside an object.
- It’s like having a box for each task, making everything easier to handle and understand.
Furthermore, as part of the object-oriented design process, it is essential to define specific aspects:
- Data Organization of Attributes:
- OOD involves specifying how data attributes are organized within the objects. This includes determining the types of data each object will hold and how they relate to one another, ensuring a coherent and efficient data structure.
- Procedural Description of Operations:
- OOD requires a procedural description for each operation that an object can perform. This involves detailing the steps or processes involved in carrying out specific tasks, ensuring clarity and precision in the implementation of functionality.
Below diagram shows a design pyramid for object-oriented systems. It is having the following four layers.
- The Subsystem Layer: It represents the subsystem that enables software to achieve user requirements and implement technical frameworks that meet user needs.
- The Class and Object Layer: It represents the class hierarchies that enable the system to develop using generalization and specialization. This layer also represents each object.
- The Message Layer: This layer deals with how objects interact with each other. It includes messages sent between objects, method calls, and the flow of control within the system.
- The Responsibilities Layer: It focuses on the responsibilities of individual objects. This includes defining the behavior of each class, specifying what each object is responsible for, and how it responds to messages.
Object-Oriented Analysis and Design(OOAD)
Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) is a software engineering methodology that employs object-oriented principles to model and design complex systems. It involves analyzing the problem domain, representing it using objects and their interactions, and then designing a modular and scalable solution. It helps create systems that are easier to understand, maintain, and extend by organizing functionality into reusable and interconnected components.
Important Topics for the Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
- Important Aspects of OOAD
- Object-Oriented Analysis
- Object-Oriented Design
- Benefits of Object-Oriented Analysis and Design(OOAD)
- Challenges of Object-Oriented Analysis and Design(OOAD)
- Real world applications of Object-Oriented Analysis and Design(OOAD)