Programming Paradigms

• Programming Paradigms

  • Programming paradigms are established conventions and practices that dictate how computer programs are structured and developed 
  • Programming paradigms offer varied methodologies for software construction 
  • Different paradigms are suited to different tasks, e.g. simple web applications can be achieved with light-weight procedural languages, complex enterprise-level software can only be achieved with a complex object-oriented paradigm 
  • New paradigms arise, and existing ones adapt in response to changes in computing and software challenges 
• Overview of Programming Paradigms 

  
• Procedural Strengths

  • Efficient execution of straightforward tasks 
  • A clear flow of control (top to bottom) 
  • Ease of implementation for algorithms 
  • Strong emphasis on step-by-step procedure execution 
• Procedural Weaknesses

  • Can become unwieldy for large programs 
  • Lack of modularity can lead to code redundancy 
  • Not ideal for applications with complex states or behaviours 
  • Difficulty in managing and scaling the system as it grows 
• Object-Oriented Strengths

  • Enhances modularity with encapsulation 
  • Enables real-world modelling using objects 
  • Code reuse through inheritance 
  • Polymorphism allows flexibility in interface design 
• Object Oriented Weaknesses

  • Can lead to unnecessary complexity 
  • Inefficiency due to overhead (e.g., memory for objects) 
  • Not always intuitive for all types of problems 
  • Misuse can lead to overly complex inheritance hierarchies 
• Assembly Strengths

  • Direct control over hardware 
  • Optimised performance due to low-level operations 
  • A transparent understanding of how the machine operates 
  • Potential for very efficient code 
• Assembly Weaknesses

  • Extremely steep learning curve 
  • Hardware-specific, leading to a lack of portability 
  • Tedious and error-prone due to manual memory management. 
  • Difficult to write, debug, and maintain large programs