Identifying novice difficulties in object oriented design

ABSTRACT

We report on a study of novice programmers' object oriented class designs. These designs were analysed to discover what faults they displayed. The two most common faults related to non-referenced classes (inability to integrate them into the solution), and problems with attributes and class cohesion. The paper ends with some implication for teaching that may be indicated by the empirical results.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
      D.1.5 Object-oriented Programming

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Computer science education

General Terms:
Design

Keywords:
design, design faults, introductory programming, software design