Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) vs Procedural Programming (PP)#
Object-oriented languages and procedural languages are not opposing concepts. So what exactly are object-oriented and procedural languages?
We typically refer to languages like Java, Python, and C# as object-oriented languages, while C is called a procedural language. However, this merely indicates what these languages orient toward - it doesn’t mean C can only do procedural programming or that Java and Python can only do object-oriented programming.
Regardless of which language you use, you can write procedural code. Conversely, you can write object-oriented code even in C.
The Misconception of “Procedural-Oriented”#
In fact, calling something a procedural-oriented language is incorrect. All programming languages are based on procedures, so saying they “orient toward” procedures doesn’t make sense.
To use an analogy:
- It’s like saying weightlifting is a sport that orients toward barbells, when in reality it’s a sport based on using barbells.
- Should we do weightlifting with dumbbells instead…?
In other words, the correct term is ‘Procedural Programming’, not ‘Procedural-Oriented’.
Key Differences#
- Procedural Programming: Creates functions centered around data
- Object-Oriented Programming: Bundles data and functions (behaviors) together into objects
Criteria for Distinguishing Procedural and Object-Oriented Languages#
There are various ways to distinguish them, but broadly speaking, they can be categorized as follows:
- Does it support encapsulation, polymorphism, and class inheritance?
- Can it restrict data access?
Generally, languages that satisfy these criteria are considered to have stronger object-oriented characteristics.
Procedural Programming#
Procedural programming literally means structuring code procedurally.
It’s an approach where you identify the sequence of data operations and create functions for necessary features, executing them procedurally (in order).
Object-Oriented Programming#
Object-oriented programming bundles functionalities into objects.
In other words, you create individual objects, each bundling the behaviors (functions) and data they can handle.
Example#
Imagine implementing a ride-hailing service:
- Car Object: Bundles all the behaviors (functions) a car can perform
- Driver Object: Bundles all the behaviors a driver can perform
- Passenger Object: Bundles all the behaviors a passenger can perform
The algorithm is constructed through interactions between these objects by calling their methods and fields.
So Which Approach is Better?#
Programming in the Past#
In the past, we didn’t need hardware and software on the scale we do today. Old languages like C, Fortran, and COBOL - representative procedural languages - were widely used.
Modern Programming#
As we entered the modern era, software development accelerated and code became increasingly complex.
This led to tangled algorithms, and code became difficult or impossible for humans to understand - resulting in spaghetti code.
Object-oriented programming emerged as an alternative to address these issues.
Why is Object-Oriented Programming Dominant?#
Currently, object-oriented programming is predominantly used. The reasons are:
- For complex programs, using procedural programming makes code more prone to tangling
- In terms of scalability, it offers fewer advantages for maintenance
Pros and Cons of Procedural Programming#
Pros#
- Program directly without creating objects or classes
- Create functions for needed features to call and reuse instead of copy-pasting
- Easy to trace program flow
Cons#
- Difficult to modify due to tight coupling between code sections (high cohesion makes additions and modifications difficult)
- Difficult to debug (error checking)
Pros and Cons of Object-Oriented Programming#
Pros#
- Easier maintenance through modularization and encapsulation
- Code is easier to understand due to similarity with the real world
- Objects themselves are self-contained programs that can be reused in other programs
Cons#
- Most object-oriented programs tend to be relatively slower and use more memory
- Requires significant time in the design phase to make code understandable through real-world analogies
There’s No Right Answer! Use the Right Tool for the Job#
When to Use Procedural Programming#
Typically used when the project scope is small and there’s little need for code reuse.
Benefits:
- The program itself is lighter
- Requires less development time and personnel compared to object-oriented approach
When to Use Object-Oriented Programming#
For large-scale projects where code needs to be reused, object-oriented programming is suitable (excluding initial development costs).
Benefits:
- More stable from a maintenance perspective