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252-0237-00L 8 Credits DZ , SHE , MSC , WBZ D-BSSE , D-INFK , D-MATH
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Concepts of Object-Oriented Programming

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Peter Müller
VVZ CR 4.09

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:48:27

Abstract

Course that focuses on an in-depth understanding of object-oriented programming and compares designs of object-oriented programming languages. Topics include different flavors of type systems, inheritance models, encapsulation in the presence of aliasing, object and class initialization, program correctness, reflection

Objective

After this course, students will: Have a deep understanding of advanced concepts of object-oriented programming and their support through various language features. Be able to understand language concepts on a semantic level and be able to compare and evaluate language designs. Be able to learn new languages more rapidly. Be aware of many subtle problems of object-oriented programming and know how to avoid them.

Content

The main goal of this course is to convey a deep understanding of the key concepts of sequential object-oriented programming and their support in different programming languages. This is achieved by studying how important challenges are addressed through language features and programming idioms. In particular, the course discusses alternative language designs by contrasting solutions in languages such as C++, C#, Eiffel, Java, Python, and Scala. The course also introduces novel ideas from research languages that may influence the design of future mainstream languages. The topics discussed in the course include among others: The pros and cons of different flavors of type systems (for instance, static vs. dynamic typing, nominal vs. structural, syntactic vs. behavioral typing) The key problems of single and multiple inheritance and how different languages address them Generic type systems, in particular, Java generics, C# generics, and C++ templates The situations in which object-oriented programming does not provide encapsulation, and how to avoid them The pitfalls of object initialization, exemplified by a research type system that prevents null pointer dereferencing How to maintain the consistency of data structures

Resources

Literature

Will be announced in the lecture.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DZ , SHE , MSC , WBZ
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
keine

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Concepts of Object-Oriented Programming
Online lecture: This lecture will take place online. Reserved rooms will remain blocked on campus for students to follow the course from there.
  • Thu 09:15-12:00 (HG E 1.1)
3 h weekly
exercise Concepts of Object-Oriented Programming
  • Fri 08:15-10:00 (CAB G 57)
  • Fri 08:15-10:00 (CHN D 42)
  • Fri 10:15-12:00 (CAB G 57)
  • Fri 10:15-12:00 (CHN D 42)
  • Fri 10:15-12:00 (CHN D 44)
2 h weekly
independent project Concepts of Object-Oriented Programming No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In