Object-oriented programming, or OOP, is a variety of languages that create instances of classes for objects. This helps to determine their type. Many of the programming languages that are in common use today support OOP to some degree. Here are the object-oriented programming pros and cons to consider.
What Are the Pros of OOP?
1. It allows for parallel development.
If you’re working with programming teams, then each can work independently of one another once the modular classes have been worked out. That allows for a relative level of parallel development that wouldn’t be available otherwise.
2. The modular classes are often reusable.
Once the modular classes have been created, they can often be used again in other applications or projects. At times, little-to-no modification is necessary for the next project as well. That gives a team more flexibility once they get beyond the initial start-up phase.
3. The coding is easier to maintain.
With OOP, because your coding base has been centralized, it is easier to create a maintainable procedure code. That makes it easier to keep your data accessible when it becomes necessary to perform an upgrade. This process also improves the security of the programming since high levels of validation are often required.
What Are the Cons of OOP?
1. It can be inefficient.
Object-oriented programming tends to use more CPU than alternative options. That can make it be an inefficient choice when there are technical limitations involved due to the size that it can end up being. Because of the duplication involved, the first-time coding can be more extensive than other options as well.
2. It can be too scalable.
If OOP is left to run out of control, then it can create a massive amount of bloated, unnecessary code. When that occurs, the overhead rises and that makes it difficult to keep costs down.
3. It can cause duplication.
OOP projects tend to be easier to design than implement. That is because of the modular classes are so flexible in their application. You may be able to get new projects up and running at a greater speed, but that comes at the cost of having projects sometimes feel like they’ve been cloned.
Object-oriented programming does require a steep learning curve, but it can also be an investment into future projects. By weighing the pros and cons, the initial cost can be weighed against future gains to determine if it is the correct approach to take.
Brandon Miller has a B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a seasoned writer who has written over one hundred articles, which have been read by over 500,000 people. If you have any comments or concerns about this blog post, then please contact the Green Garage team here.