Crocusoft | What is Object-Oriented Programming?
main principles of OOP
Technology 4 MIN READ 12/8/2025 1:03:40 PM

What is Object-Oriented Programming?

A programming language is not just a means of giving commands to a computer, but also a tool that shapes our approach to solving problems. When writing code, the main issue is not just obtaining the result, but also ensuring how durable, readable, and developable the path leading to that result is. At this very point, the Object-Oriented Programming paradigm comes to the rescue.

This approach teaches programmers to think not just as coders, but as architects. It allows solving complex problems by modeling them as real-world objects and their mutual interactions. Starting from the 1960s, this method created a revolution in the software world by transforming repetitive, inefficient, and unmanageable piles of code into organized structures.

The 4 Fundamental Pillars of the OOP Approach

Object-Oriented Programming is built on four main principles. These principles ensure code security, reuse, and flexibility.

1. Abstraction

Abstraction is hiding complex details and presenting the user with only the essential result. Let us look at the famous coffee machine example. For a user, how the water is heated inside the machine, how the beans are ground, and how the pressure is regulated is not interesting. The only important thing for them is pressing the button and getting the coffee. Abstraction frees the user from this technical burden in the background and presents them with a simple control panel.

2. Encapsulation

This principle ensures that data and functions are kept inside a protective layer. Encapsulation protects the internal working mechanism of the object from external interference. You can think of this like the mechanism of a pen. The complex spring system of the pen is protected inside a plastic body, or capsule. Thanks to this approach, unauthorized access to sensitive data within the program is prevented and system integrity is ensured.

3. Inheritance

One of the biggest problems in programming is code duplication. The principle of inheritance allows passing the properties of an existing class to another newly created class. For example, if there is a general class called Bird, there is no need to rewrite features like wings and beak for every new bird species. New classes inherit these features directly from the parent class. This both saves time and makes code management easier.

4. Polymorphism

Polymorphism is the ability of the same command to be executed differently by different objects. Continuing the bird example above, both a Crow and a Goldfinch have the ability to make sound. However, when the command Make Sound is given, both birds execute this according to their own nature; one caws, the other chirps. Polymorphism increases the flexibility of the program and ensures that new objects are easily integrated into the system.

Conclusion: Why Choose OOP?

Object-Oriented Programming turns coding into an art and engineering. Its greatest advantage is preventing code duplication, increasing security, and dividing large projects into manageable modules. True, in small projects this approach might create additional complexity, but as the project grows, OOP becomes an indispensable standard.

As the Crocusoft team, we use exactly this architecture when developing complex corporate systems and custom software projects. We provide our clients not just with working code, but with secure, durable digital infrastructures that can be easily expanded in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ About OOP

1. Is using OOP mandatory?

No, it is not mandatory. For small scripts or simple tasks, procedural programming might be faster. However, in large projects worked on as a team, OOP is the standard.

2. Does the inheritance principle lower performance?

When used correctly, no. On the contrary, because it prevents code duplication, it makes the general structure of the program lighter and more understandable.

3. What is the best OOP language?

There is no single best language. Languages like Java, C#, Python, and PHP each strongly support OOP principles and are chosen according to the requirements of the project.