Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA) vs. Structured Analysis

Attribute	Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA)	Structured Analysis
Focus	Objects and their interactions	Data and processes
Modularity	Modular design with classes and objects	Structured design with modules and functions
Encapsulation	Data and behavior are encapsulated within objects	Data and processes are separated
Inheritance	Allows for code reuse and hierarchy	Not typically supported
Polymorphism	Objects can have multiple forms and behaviors	Not typically supported

Introduction

Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA) and Structured Analysis are two popular methodologies used in software development to analyze and design systems. While both approaches aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the development process, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of OOA and Structured Analysis to help you understand the differences between the two methodologies.

Definition

Object-Oriented Analysis (OOA) is a methodology that focuses on modeling a system as a group of interacting objects, each with its own data and behavior. This approach emphasizes the use of classes and objects to represent real-world entities and their relationships. On the other hand, Structured Analysis is a methodology that focuses on breaking down a system into smaller, more manageable modules or functions. This approach emphasizes the use of data flow diagrams and process specifications to represent the system's structure and behavior.

Modeling

In Object-Oriented Analysis, the system is modeled using classes, objects, attributes, and methods. Classes represent the blueprint for objects, while objects are instances of classes that encapsulate data and behavior. Attributes define the properties of objects, while methods define the operations that can be performed on objects. In contrast, Structured Analysis models the system using data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, and process specifications. Data flow diagrams represent the flow of data through the system, entity-relationship diagrams represent the relationships between data entities, and process specifications define the processes that manipulate data.

Encapsulation

One of the key principles of Object-Oriented Analysis is encapsulation, which refers to the bundling of data and methods within a class. Encapsulation allows objects to hide their internal state and only expose their behavior through methods. This helps to improve the modularity and reusability of code. In Structured Analysis, encapsulation is not explicitly supported, as the focus is on breaking down the system into smaller modules or functions. However, encapsulation can still be achieved through proper design and implementation practices.

Inheritance

Another key principle of Object-Oriented Analysis is inheritance, which allows classes to inherit attributes and methods from other classes. Inheritance promotes code reuse and helps to create a hierarchy of classes with shared characteristics. In Structured Analysis, inheritance is not a common concept, as the focus is on breaking down the system into smaller modules or functions. However, inheritance can still be achieved through the use of subroutines or functions that are called by multiple modules.

Polymorphism

Polymorphism is another key principle of Object-Oriented Analysis, which allows objects to be treated as instances of their parent class. This allows for flexibility in the design and implementation of systems, as objects can be manipulated in a generic way without knowing their specific type. In Structured Analysis, polymorphism is not a common concept, as the focus is on breaking down the system into smaller modules or functions. However, polymorphism can still be achieved through the use of generic functions or procedures that can operate on different data types.

Flexibility

Object-Oriented Analysis offers greater flexibility in modeling complex systems, as it allows for the creation of classes and objects that closely mirror real-world entities and their relationships. This makes it easier to understand and modify the system as requirements change. In contrast, Structured Analysis may be more rigid in its approach, as it focuses on breaking down the system into smaller modules or functions. This can make it more challenging to modify the system as requirements change, as changes may need to be made across multiple modules.

Reusability

Object-Oriented Analysis promotes code reusability through the use of classes and objects, which can be easily reused in different parts of the system or in different systems altogether. This can help to reduce development time and effort, as existing classes and objects can be leveraged to build new systems. In contrast, Structured Analysis may have limited reusability, as the focus is on breaking down the system into smaller modules or functions. This can make it more challenging to reuse code across different parts of the system or in different systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Object-Oriented Analysis and Structured Analysis are two methodologies used in software development to analyze and design systems. While both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, Object-Oriented Analysis offers greater flexibility, reusability, and modeling capabilities compared to Structured Analysis. However, Structured Analysis may be more suitable for simpler systems or projects where a more rigid approach is preferred. Ultimately, the choice between Object-Oriented Analysis and Structured Analysis will depend on the specific requirements and constraints of the project at hand.