Introduction to Functional Classes in CS1

TL;DR

This paper discusses integrating object-oriented concepts into a functional programming course to enhance students' understanding of interfaces, classes, and polymorphism, bridging the gap between functional and object-oriented paradigms.

Contribution

It introduces a novel methodology for teaching objects within a functional programming course, connecting first-class functions to object-oriented design.

Findings

Students benefit from the integrated approach

Improved understanding of object-oriented concepts

Positive initial student feedback

Abstract

Students introduced to programming using a design-based approach and a functional programming language become familiar with first-class functions. They rarely, however, connect first-class functions to objects and object-oriented program design. This is a missed opportunity because students inevitably go on to courses using an object-oriented programming language. This article describes how students are introduced to objects within the setting of a design-based introduction to programming that uses a functional language. The methodology exposes students to interfaces, classes, objects, and polymorphic dispatch. Initial student feedback suggests that students benefit from the approach.