How do you ensure your object oriented design is high quality and performs well?

1 Analyze the problem

The first step in OOD is to understand the problem you are trying to solve and the requirements you need to meet. You can use various techniques, such as use cases, user stories, scenarios, or domain models, to capture the functional and non-functional aspects of the system. You should also identify the main actors, entities, and interactions involved in the system, and define the scope and boundaries of your solution.

2 Model the system

The next step in OOD is to model the system using object oriented analysis and modeling (OOAM) tools and techniques. OOAM helps you translate the problem domain into a conceptual model that represents the system's structure and behavior using classes, objects, attributes, methods, associations, and inheritance. You can use diagrams, such as class diagrams, sequence diagrams, or state diagrams, to visualize and communicate your model. You should also apply abstraction, encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance to your model to make it more coherent and flexible.

3 Apply design principles and patterns

The final step in OOD is to apply design principles and patterns to your model to improve its quality and performance. Design principles are general guidelines that help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve good design goals, such as cohesion, coupling, readability, reusability, testability, and scalability. Design patterns are proven solutions to recurring design problems that help you implement specific functionalities or features in a standard and elegant way. You should choose the appropriate design principles and patterns for your system based on its context and needs.

4 Review and refactor your design

Once you have applied design principles and patterns to your model, you should review and refactor your design to ensure it meets the requirements and follows the best practices. You can use various methods, such as code reviews, peer reviews, testing, debugging, or metrics, to evaluate your design and identify any issues or areas for improvement. You should also refactor your design to eliminate any code smells, redundancies, inconsistencies, or violations of design principles or patterns.

5 Document and communicate your design

The last but not least step in OOD is to document and communicate your design to other stakeholders, such as developers, testers, managers, or clients. You should document your design using clear and consistent notation, such as UML, and provide enough details and explanations to make it understandable and usable. You should also communicate your design using effective methods, such as presentations, reports, or prototypes, and solicit feedback and suggestions from your audience.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can ensure your object oriented design is high quality and performs well. However, OOD is not a one-time process, it is an iterative and dynamic process that requires constant learning, adaptation, and improvement. Therefore, you should always keep in mind the principles of OOD and seek new ways to enhance your skill and creativity.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?