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OBJ (programming language) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

OBJ is a special kind of programming language family. It was first created by a person named Joseph Goguen in 1976. Another person, Jose Meseguer, also worked on it a lot.

What is OBJ?

OBJ is a group of "ultra high-level" languages. This means they are designed to be very easy for humans to understand. They are also called declarative languages. This means you tell the computer what you want to do, not how to do it.

Key Features of OBJ Languages

OBJ languages have some cool features:

  • Abstract types: These are like blueprints for data. They help organize information.
  • Generic modules: These are reusable blocks of code. You can use them in different parts of your program.
  • Subsorts: Think of these as special types that can inherit features from other types. It's like a dog being a type of animal.
  • Pattern-matching: This helps the computer find specific patterns in data. It's useful for solving problems.
  • E-strategies: These give programmers control over when the computer does certain tasks.
  • Module expressions: These are ways to combine different parts of a program.
  • Theories and views: These describe how different parts of the program should work together.

These features were designed to work well with powerful computers called RRM (rewrite rule machine).

Members of the OBJ Family

Many programming languages are part of the OBJ family. Some of them include:

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

OBJ2 Language

OBJ2 is an early version of the OBJ language. It uses ideas from another language called Clear. OBJ2 has modules that can be customized. It also uses a system based on mathematical equations to make programs work.

OBJ3 Language

OBJ3 is a later version of OBJ. It uses a concept called "order-sorted rewriting". This is a way for the computer to change or rewrite information based on specific rules. OBJ3 is also "agent-oriented." This means it can be used to create programs that act like smart agents. It runs on a computer system called Kyoto Common Lisp AKCL.

Learn More About Programming

If you are interested in OBJ, you might also like to learn about:

  • Automated theorem proving: This is about computers solving math problems.
  • Comparison of programming languages: See how different languages are alike and different.
  • Formal methods: These are strict ways to make sure computer programs are correct.

External Links

  • The OBJ archive
  • The OBJ family
  • Information and OBJ3 manual
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OBJ (programming language) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.