Comment An instance where OOP helps (Score 1) 621
I use various methods of solving partial differential equations in large scale applications like segmentation of medical images. As I am sure will be expanded upon by others, OOP methods do not help to solve the problem per se, but they can make coding and debugging much easier. With complex algorithms that can be the difference between a single researcher applying the algorithm in a month versus 6 months and having to get 2 or 3 others to help code.
An example:
I have a Data class that can store itself (serialize) in a standard scientific data format, like HDF and can perform other various tasks (get, set, null all values, add, subtract, etc). Now I might have subclasses that specialize to vectors, 2D arrays, N-dimensional arrays, etc. The basic functionalities are inherited and once tested will be less likely to cause problems in other classes. Lets further say that these classes are parameterized, i.e. templates. Now the basic functionality works for floats, doubles, unsigned char's etc. I could of course get this same functionality with normal procedural programming, but in the end my colleagues and I will be more productive.
OOP is a tool, just like an oscilliscope or a strain guage. Not using it when appropriate is not good engineering practice.
An example:
I have a Data class that can store itself (serialize) in a standard scientific data format, like HDF and can perform other various tasks (get, set, null all values, add, subtract, etc). Now I might have subclasses that specialize to vectors, 2D arrays, N-dimensional arrays, etc. The basic functionalities are inherited and once tested will be less likely to cause problems in other classes. Lets further say that these classes are parameterized, i.e. templates. Now the basic functionality works for floats, doubles, unsigned char's etc. I could of course get this same functionality with normal procedural programming, but in the end my colleagues and I will be more productive.
OOP is a tool, just like an oscilliscope or a strain guage. Not using it when appropriate is not good engineering practice.
