The Theory of Classification, Part 11: Adding Class Types to Object Implementations

Abstract

A model of strongly-typed object generators, in which the class-type information was attached to the object-information was developed. A class was defined as a family of objects that shared a similar implementation strategy, and a family of types shared a similar method interface. It provided a good foundation for developing further model interpretations of other object-oriented concepts such as class hierarchies, abstract classes, and interfaces. A new typed calculus was also used to present a model of strongly-typed inheritance, and a formal obligation to demonstrate that aspects of inheritance were type-sound were also fulfilled.