object-oriented programming

[ ob-jekt-awr-ee-uhn-tid proh-gram-ing ]

noun

, Computers.

1. a programming language or system that supports the use of objects, such as an entire image, a routine, or a data structure. : OOP

object-oriented programming

1. A schematic paradigm for computer programming in which the linear concepts of procedures and tasks are replaced by the concepts of objects and messages. An object includes a package of data and a description of the operations that can be performed on that data. A message specifies one of the operations, but unlike a procedure, does not describe how the operation should be carried out. C++ is an example of an object-oriented programming language.

Word History and Origins

Origin of object-oriented programming¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

This immersive, beginners' course on C++ trains you to leverage this language, showing you how to complete more complex computing tasks quickly, discover object-oriented programming and set up a development environment to debug your code.

From Salon

I do hate the dominant interpretation of “object-oriented programming” with a passion, because it objectively sucks.

From Forbes

Scala is an easy transition for those familiar with Java and object-oriented programming.

From Forbes

He leaned toward them and said, “In object-oriented programming, discrete software objects interfaced more freely, in a system of corporate service provision that mirrored the emergent structures of late capitalism.”

From Literature

Apple had a much harder time building a similarly rich set of applications for the Macintosh, but the lesson was eventually learned, partly due to the NeXT acquisition and the adoption of object-oriented programming.

From The Guardian