Why Java is not pure object oriented

0 votes
Could you provide a detailed explanation as to why Java is often not considered a purely object-oriented programming language? In your response, please include specific aspects of Java's design and features, such as its use of primitive data types and the presence of static methods, that deviate from the principles of pure object-oriented programming.
Nov 26, 2023 in Java by Saniya
• 3,360 points
433 views

1 answer to this question.

0 votes

Java is often described as not being a "pure" object-oriented language. This assessment is based on how strictly a language adheres to the core principles of object-oriented programming (OOP). To understand why Java isn't considered purely object-oriented, it's important to first understand what constitutes a pure object-oriented language:

Characteristics of a Pure Object-Oriented Language

  1. Everything is an Object: All elements in the language are treated as objects, derived from a single root class.
  2. Encapsulation: All data (attributes) and code (methods) are bound together in objects.
  3. Inheritance: Objects can inherit characteristics from other objects.
  4. Polymorphism: Objects can take on multiple forms, typically through inheritance and interfaces.
  5. Abstraction: Complex details are hidden behind simple interfaces.

Reasons Why Java is Not Purely Object-Oriented

  1. Primitive Data Types: Java includes primitive data types (like int, float, char, boolean) that are not objects. In a purely object-oriented language, everything is supposed to be an object. However, in Java, these primitive types are not objects for performance reasons.

  2. Static Methods and Variables: Java supports static methods and variables. Static methods and variables are associated with a class, not an instance of a class, which goes against the object-oriented principle that everything should be an object.

  3. Use of Non-Object Elements: Elements like static blocks and the main method are not part of any object, yet they are used frequently in Java programs.

  4. Lack of Multiple Inheritance: Java does not support multiple inheritance directly through classes. While it provides a form of multiple inheritance through interfaces, the inability to inherit from multiple classes is seen as a departure from pure object-orientation.

Mitigating Factors

  • Wrapper Classes and Autoboxing: Java provides wrapper classes for all primitive data types (e.g., Integer for int, Double for double). This allows for a form of object-oriented handling of primitive types. Moreover, with autoboxing and unboxing, the conversion between primitives and their wrapper object types is handled automatically.
  • Interfaces and Abstract Classes: While Java doesn't support multiple class inheritance, it offers interfaces and abstract classes to achieve a similar effect in a controlled manner.

Conclusion

Java is largely object-oriented and adheres to many of the principles of OOP, but its practical design choices, such as including primitive data types and static methods for efficiency and simplicity, mean that it cannot be classified as a "pure" object-oriented language. These choices reflect a balance between the idealistic purity of OOP and the practical needs of software development, where performance and ease of use are critical concerns.

answered Nov 29, 2023 by anonymous
• 3,360 points

Related Questions In Java

0 votes
1 answer

why java is not 100 object oriented?

Java somewhat adheres to object-oriented programming because ...READ MORE

answered Oct 13, 2023 in Java by Avinash
• 520 points
356 views
0 votes
1 answer

Why java is not 100 object oriented ?

Java is often considered "not 100% object-oriented" ...READ MORE

answered Oct 17, 2023 in Java by anonymous
• 520 points
558 views
0 votes
2 answers

Why it is not possible to define a static method in a Java interface?

Interfaces are concerned with polymorphism which is ...READ MORE

answered Aug 27, 2019 in Java by Sirajul
• 59,230 points
1,991 views
0 votes
1 answer

Why Object is Super Class in Java?

Object is an exception to the first rule, ...READ MORE

answered Feb 7, 2019 in Java by Dheeraj
823 views
0 votes
1 answer

Why the main() method in Java is always static?

As you might know, static here is ...READ MORE

answered May 9, 2018 in Java by geek.erkami
• 2,680 points
2,061 views
0 votes
1 answer

What is the concept of Immutability for strings in Java ? Why are strings immutable ?

According to Effective Java, chapter 4, page 73, ...READ MORE

answered May 11, 2018 in Java by Rishabh
• 3,620 points
1,563 views
0 votes
1 answer

Why there is the need of getters and setters in java

In Java getters and setters are completely ...READ MORE

answered Jun 26, 2018 in Java by scarlett
• 1,290 points
1,920 views
0 votes
1 answer

Why Java String class is declared as final?

String class is made final in Java ...READ MORE

answered Aug 22, 2018 in Java by code.reaper12
• 3,500 points
6,558 views
0 votes
1 answer

Why multiple inheritance is not supported in Java?

The absence of multiple inheritance in the ...READ MORE

answered Oct 17, 2023 in Java by anonymous
• 3,360 points
555 views
0 votes
1 answer

Why main method is static in Java?

In Java, the `main` method is required ...READ MORE

answered Oct 19, 2023 in Java by anonymous
• 3,360 points

edited Oct 19, 2023 by anonymous 608 views
webinar REGISTER FOR FREE WEBINAR X
REGISTER NOW
webinar_success Thank you for registering Join Edureka Meetup community for 100+ Free Webinars each month JOIN MEETUP GROUP