Programming Corner

I believe this is the most important aspect of Object-Oriented Design (OOD) and Programming (OOP). I also believe this is the most disregarded. It is disregarded because it is not fully understood. It is my opinion that this aspect of OOP is misunderstood because beginner programmers focus in learning WHAT encapsulation is, and not why it is important or needed. This article aims to explain why encapsulation is important and how to achieve true encapsulation. Although anyone could look up its definition in a dictionary, I would like to start by defining the word 'encapsulation.' Encapsulation simply means to enclose something in. To completely cover or hide something especially so that it will not touch (or come in contact with) anything else. In the real world, there are many reasons to encapsulate. For example, certain medication come in the form of capsules. The real value of medicinal capsules in in the medicine that it encloses. To make a long story short, med...

This is my very first attempt at blogging. I hope I am not too bad. For my first blog ever, I am choosing a topic that I believe is very important for all students and not just those majoring in Computer Sciences, Software Engineering, etc. Even entry-level professionals might benefit from the contents of this blog. At least, that's what I hope. That said, the example I am using in my blog was the result of a practical exercise I gave my Computer Sciences students a few days ago. I have been teaching part time since 2008. Since I started teaching, I am noticing a trend that alarms me a great deal. It seems to me that students nowadays either lack effective problem solving skills or completely undermine the importance of effective problem solving. In fact, I have even notice this trend on exceptional students. I hope that my effort in shedding some light in the subject is futile. Therefore, I ask of you to leave feedback, positive or negative, once you finish reading ...