The Secret Life of Software

One of the great challenges beginners face in learning an object-oriented (O-O) view of software creation is that the fundamental ideas—objects, methods, messages,data encapsulation—are quite abstract. Also, developing an understanding of the whole of the O-O point of view requires fitting together the understandings of the parts.

Sometimes concrete images can help to clarify and think about the abstract. The Secret Life of Software is a Flash animation designed, specifically, help newcomers think about the most fundamental concepts of O-0.

If you wish, take a look and see if you think it might help your students. All are welcome to show this animation. Please, though, if you do use this animation, just drop me a line (mbrenner@csteachlearn.com) and let me know when you use it (e.g. as an early step in introducing O-O), and how your students respond to it.

Click here to see The Secret Life of Software.