Modeling in OOAD
While creating software, imagine using blueprints to design a house that's
what models do in Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD). Just like
blueprints help us understand how a house will be built, models in OOAD
help developers visualize and plan out software before they start coding.
These models focus on identifying the objects or components of the
software, how they interact, and how they come together to make the
software work.
What is OOAD?
Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) is a structured approach
used in software engineering for planning, designing, and implementing
software systems. OOAD uses the principles of object-oriented
programming to model a system based on real-world objects, their
properties, behaviors, and how they interact with each other. This approach
is beneficial for system design because it allows developers to break down
complex systems into manageable components, making the development
process more efficient and the systems more scalable and maintainable.
● Analysis in OOAD: During the analysis phase, the focus is on
understanding the problem domain, identifying the requirements
of the system, and modeling the system's functionality without
deciding on how the system will be implemented.
● Design in OOAD: The design phase takes the outcomes of the
analysis phase and plans how the system will achieve its
requirements. This involves defining the software architecture,
choosing data structures and algorithms, and detailing the design
of the system's objects and their interactions.
Importance of Models in OOAD
Models in Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD) serve as the
cornerstone for understanding, designing, constructing, and documenting a
software system. Their importance in the OOAD process cannot be
enhanced, as they bring numerous benefits to the development lifecycle.
Here’s why models hold such significance in OOAD:
● Blueprint for Development
○ Models serve as blueprints, giving stakeholders
and developers a conceptual and visual road map.
○ Software developers use models to build software
systems, just as architects use blueprints to build
buildings.
○ Before any code is written, these blueprints aid in
visualizing the system's behavior and structure,
ensuring that everyone is aware of the project's
direction.
● Facilitates Communication
○ For developers, analysts, and non-technical
stakeholders, models act as a common language.
○ They ensure that all parties involved in the
development process have a common
understanding of the goals, features, and
limitations of the system by assisting in closing the
communication gap between them.
● Simplifies Complex Systems
○ Complex systems are broken down into
manageable parts, or objects, using object-
oriented models.
○ This breakdown facilitates system analysis, design,
and implementation by allowing individual
components to be developed and tested
independently before being integrated into the
overall system.
○ The system is also more flexible due to its modular
design.
● Promotes Reusability
○ Design patterns and component reuse are
encouraged by OOAD models.
○ Through the identification of shared patterns and
objects between various system components or
even projects, developers may utilize these
elements, thereby substantially cutting down on
development duration and cost.
● Aids in System Analysis and Design
○ Models assist in requirements analysis and system
architecture design through the use of schematics
and diagrams.
They make it possible to identify any problems and obstacles early in the
development process, enabling changes to be made before large sums of
money are spent.
