Understanding object-oriented programming concepts

Most power engineering students these days have had at least a casual introduction to computer programming concepts. Specifically, they have become functionally fluent in one or more programming languages and can use their knowledge of basic syntax to write simple programs that perform some desired task. Some students may also have had the opportunity to learn basic software design concepts, such as the benefits of top-down design and the practice and virtues of programming in a modular fashion using a structured programming approach. However, fewer students have been exposed to the theory and practice of object-oriented software development. Understanding object-oriented programming concepts requires that the student undergo a paradigm shift. The student must move from thinking about modeling systems and problems in terms of the actions that must be performed to thinking about the objects that must interact with each other to perform those actions. Successfully navigating this change in thought is not a trivial undertaking, but the rewards of doing so can be tremendous. This presentation provides a brief introduction to the concepts and benefits of the object-oriented approach and explains why power engineering students may benefit greatly from a more formal introduction to the topic.