Re: Object-Oriented Paradigm in Mathematica?
- To: mathgroup at smc.vnet.net
- Subject: [mg65997] Re: [mg65983] Object-Oriented Paradigm in Mathematica?
- From: Sseziwa Mukasa <mukasa at jeol.com>
- Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 04:37:58 -0400 (EDT)
- References: <200604250919.FAA07103@smc.vnet.net>
- Sender: owner-wri-mathgroup at wolfram.com
On Apr 25, 2006, at 2:19 AM, Shyam Guthikonda wrote: > I come from the world of C++ :) I am trying to perform various > simulations using Mathematica, and I find myself coming up with all my > algorithms in terms of objects. You would probably find Mathematica more useful if you thought in terms of its own natural paradigm of expressions and functions. The idea of using some form of object oriented paradigm in Mathematica comes up frequently on this list, as you can probably tell from your search through the archives. In general, using C++ methodology in Mathematica is like using COBOL methodology in C++: it's possible but unlikely to be productive. There is a relatively simple way to use object oriented type techniques to organize programs in Mathematica: by treating the head of expressions as a type. That can get you inheritance (but not trivially), polymorphism (a little easier) and a limited notion of encapsulation. But because Mathematica works by exposing the structure of expressions, encapsulation is a poor fit. Template style programming however is easy and recommended. > Does Mathematica support some type of Object-Oriented Paradigm? As far as I can tell this is a subject still open to debate, and frequently prompts long email threads that devolve into flame wars. I think the politic answer is, not really. A slightly more accurate answer would be; a C++ or Java like object model is a poor fit for Mathematica. Don't despair however. My suggestion would be for you to look at how some algorithms you are interested in are implemented in Mathematica if possible. Or ask on this list, as long as the problem is not too complex several people here would be happy to show you how they would implement various algorithms in Mathematica. The learning curve for thinking about problems the Mathematica way is not too steep once you've seen a few examples. Regards, Ssezi
- References:
- Object-Oriented Paradigm in Mathematica?
- From: Shyam Guthikonda <shyamguth@gmail.com>
- Object-Oriented Paradigm in Mathematica?