[Tutor] impact of OO

[alan.gauld@bt.com]

> the behavior and how to organize the program.  I am making a 
> simple message encryption program and wanted to see if 
> implementing OOP practices would be difficult or not.  

We need more info.
A "simple message encryption" could be as simple as two 
functions - one to encrypt one to decrypt.

> It is not a small program at all.  By the time it will 
> be done it will be a couple thousand lines at least.  

So what are the features? Multiple algorithms? Multiple 
users with keyrings and digital signatures etc etc?

This approach is deprecated these days but works well 
for first OO projects. write down a single paragraph 
description of your programs function. Underline all 
nouns. They are likely objects. If generic or proper 
nouns they are probably classes otherwise they are 
instances and yuou need to decide what the class will be.


NOw look at the verbs. They are the methods. The subject 
of a verb is the object that has the method. Look for 
adjectives they will be attributes of the objects.

> could just learn about UML?

Try a search on cetus-links for all things OO including UML.

Also visit the Rational.com web site they have lots of stuff.

But UML is not needed for OO design unless its a biggie

Alan G.