[comp.lang.c++] OOA/D

rdthomps@vela.acs.oakland.edu (Robert D. Thompson) (11/06/90)

Ian Kluft amazes us with,

>First, they are different mostly because Coad/Yourdon's book is about object-
>oriented *analysis*.  Booch's book is about object-oriented *design*.  OOA is

Ok, Let's make sure that anybody who cannot read titles gets this right,

	"Object-Oriented Analysis" is about object-oriented *analysis*

				and

	"Object-Oriented Design" is about object-oriented *design*

Whew, glad we got that one out of the way.

Both books discuss methods for identifying objects, attributes, and
relationships - not really sophisticated.  However, Booch provides a
more comprehensive look at the fundamental concepts of object-oriented
methods (classification, decomposition, etc...)  **My own** opinion is
that neither book provides a discrete method for deriving class-specs 
by a step-by-step process.  Booch, however, does go a long way to
discuss the surrounding nature of such a process.   

I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY REFERENCES ON METHODS FOR DERIVING CLASS
SPECIFICATIONS FROM REQUIREMENTS (IDENTIFICATION).  

I am currently working on a method.

<Robert>

bobatk@microsoft.UUCP (Bob ATKINSON) (11/08/90)

Robert D. Thompson writes:

>Coad/Yourdon's book
>Booch's book 

>**My own** opinion is
>that neither book provides a discrete method for deriving class-specs 
>by a step-by-step process.  

>I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY REFERENCES ON METHODS FOR DERIVING CLASS
>SPECIFICATIONS FROM REQUIREMENTS (IDENTIFICATION).  

"Designing Object Oriented Software", by Wirfs-Brock, Wilkerson, and Weiner
(Prentice Hall, 1990) is focussed on this sort of cookbook approach. They
give a follow-your-nose way for deriving class specifications given
requirements which is basically sound.  They don't claim to have discovered
the essence of all design problems, but instead present an approach that
novices can follow regimentally and learn the exceptions to later.


	Bob Atkinson

rdthomps@vela.acs.oakland.edu (Robert D. Thompson) (11/08/90)

Bob Atkinson writes,


>"Designing Object Oriented Software", by Wirfs-Brock, Wilkerson, and Weiner
>(Prentice Hall, 1990) is focussed on this sort of cookbook approach. They
>give a follow-your-nose way for deriving class specifications given
>requirements which is basically sound.  They don't claim to have discovered
>the essence of all design problems, but instead present an approach that
>novices can follow regimentally and learn the exceptions to later.
>
>	Bob Atkinson

	Thanks for the response Bob.

	However,  I must point out that I (and I assume some others) are
	not looking for a "sort of cookbook approach" nor are we "Novices"
	in need of being lead "by-the-nose"

	I am developing a methodology for class-specification and
	documentation.  I am looking for other insights.  I am
	attempting to establish some consistency for my own group
	development (and others - if things go well).

	Anyway, I just thought I would make that clear to you.

<Robert Thompson>