Programming Paradigms

Programming Paradigms

1. OOP

   • Example: Java.
   • The programmer manipulates objects which may contain data about the object and procedures which can be called to manipulate the data stored about the object (attributes) and the state of the object.
   • Used for more complex programs with multiple types of data object. For example, Minecraft.

2. Logic

   • An example would be Prolog!
   • Programs consist of a series of axioms, relations, rules and facts. Then the inference engine of the programming language will use this information to answer any subsequent queries.
   • Used often for AI, for example the ClarISSa AI on the ISS. Logic programming is often used for prototyping.

3. Imperative/Procedural

   • Example, VB.NET is mostly imperative/procedural.
   • Consists of a sequence of instructions to manipulate data and change the program's state.
   • Most things, e.g. drivers, often simple programs are written in procedural languages.

4. Functional

   • A program consists of a series of mathematical functions called in some order.
   • An example would be Haskell.
   • Used for heavily mathematical programs and also often for game AI calculations (particularly those involving a lot of probability).