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OBJ (programming language) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

OBJ is a family of programming languages. It was first created by Joseph Goguen in 1976. Later, Jose Meseguer also worked on it.

What is OBJ?

OBJ is a type of computer language that lets you tell the computer what to do, not how to do it. Think of it like giving a recipe where you list the ingredients and the final dish, but not every single step. These languages are sometimes called "ultra high-level" because they are very powerful.

How OBJ Works

OBJ uses several cool ideas to make programming easier:

  • Abstract data types: These are ways to define information without worrying about how the computer stores it. It's like saying "a car" without needing to know every nut and bolt inside.
  • Reusable parts: OBJ uses "generic modules." These are like building blocks that you can use over and over again for different kinds of information.
  • Organizing information: It has "subsorts," which help group information into categories and subcategories. This is similar to how you might organize your toys into "vehicles" and then "cars" and "trucks."
  • Pattern matching: The language can recognize patterns and solve problems using special rules. It's like finding a specific shape in a puzzle.
  • Controlling calculations: Users can decide when the computer does certain calculations. This is called "E-strategies."
  • Combining programs: You can put different parts of a program together using "module expressions."
  • Rules for communication: "Theories and views" describe how different parts of a program should work together and share information.
  • Powerful computing: OBJ was designed to work with very powerful computer systems that can do many things at the same time.

The OBJ Family

There are several languages that are part of the OBJ family. Some of these include:

  • CafeOBJ
  • Eqlog
  • FOOPS
  • Kumo
  • Maude
  • OBJ2
  • OBJ3

What is OBJ2?

OBJ2 is an early version of the OBJ programming language. It has special reusable parts called "parametrised modules." These modules are like templates that you can customize for different tasks. OBJ2 also works by solving mathematical equations, which is a common way for computers to process information.

What is OBJ3?

OBJ3 is a newer version of OBJ. It uses a method called "order-sorted rewriting." This is a way of organizing and changing information based on specific rules and an order of importance. OBJ3 is also "agent-oriented," meaning it's designed for smart computer programs that can act on their own. It runs on a specific type of computer program called Kyoto Common Lisp AKCL.

Learn More

  • Automated theorem proving
  • Comparison of programming languages
  • Formal methods
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