Teaching object orientation: patterns and reuse

Abstract

The paper describes an advanced undergraduate "object oriented programming" subject that has the aim of developing good software engineering practices with regard to reusable designs and reusable components. The subject utilizes framework class libraries. A simplified framework, embodying many of the design patterns from more complex frameworks, is used to provide an introduction to frameworks. Assignments for the subject give students practice in reusing components (such as collection classes), standard design patterns (such as command handler chains), and complete designs for applications as provided by the frameworks.