An Approach to Programming Based on Concepts

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel programming paradigm based on 'concepts', which generalize classes and include mechanisms like inheritance, polymorphism, and lifecycle management, aiming to extend object-oriented programming.

Contribution

It proposes a new concept-based programming approach that generalizes classes and introduces mechanisms like reference resolution and dual methods, expanding programming paradigms.

Findings

Defines 'concept' as a pair of reference and object classes

Describes mechanisms such as reference resolution and lifecycle management

Positions the approach as a new programming paradigm

Abstract

In this paper we describe a new approach to programming which generalizes object-oriented programming. It is based on using a new programming construct, called concept, which generalizes classes. Concept is defined as a pair of two classes: one reference class and one object class. Each concept has a parent concept which is specified using inclusion relation generalizing inheritance. We describe several important mechanisms such as reference resolution, context stack, dual methods and life-cycle management, inheritance and polymorphism. This approach to programming is positioned as a new programming paradigm and therefore we formulate its main principles and rules.