Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a modular form of programming that allows pieces of software to be reusable and interchangeable between programs. The practice of recycling tested and reliable objects is more of an effective method of programming and reduces programming costs. Because it utilizes modules, a programmer can easily make changes to an existing program. Code from one class can be passed down to another through the process of inheritance. Thus, new modules that inherit features from existing objects can be implemented into the program.
These objects can be managed through an object program library that controls and manages the deposit and application of tested objects to users. To safeguard against incidents of disclosure and violations of the integrity of objects, security controls must be implemented for the program library.
In addition, objects can be made accessible to users through Object Request Brokers (ORBs) designed to support the interaction of heterogeneous, distributed environments. Thus, ORBs find and distribute objects across networks and can be considered middleware as they reside between two other entities.
An ORB is a component of the Object Request Architecture (ORA), which is an advanced framework for a distributed environment and was developed by the Object Management Group (OMG). The other components of the ORA are object services, application objects, and common facilities. The OMG has also developed a Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA), which specifies an industry standard that allows programs written in different languages with the use of different platforms and operating systems to interface and communicate with each other. To use this compatible interchange, a user requires a small amount of initial code and an Interface Definition Language (IDL) file. The IDL file then identifies the methods, classes, and objects that are the interface targets.
