The module provides a review of core OO foundational concepts, including abstraction, encapsulation, modularity, polymorphism, delegation, inheritance, identity, and more. Key OO terminology for discussing aspects of class and object design are also presented. Finally, Java – our course programming language - is reviewed, not in a full development tutorial, but rather in examining the languages elements that support effective OO design and development. Resources are provided for supporting Java tutorial needs, and an example of Java development is provided as a first foray into OOAD development projects.

The Unified Modeling Language is a method for performing OOAD using graphical diagramming. The module focuses on UML as an effective tool for our design efforts – class diagrams can easily show major relationships and responsibilities of collaborating class networks; use case diagrams can help with analysis of critical user tasks needed for a successful system analysis; and the behavioral diagrams (sequence, state, and activity) can show details of messaging and command flow through applications. UML is regularly used in both academic and industry settings for designing and describing complex OO systems, and it will also be part of many OOAD course development projects.

Testing in any software system is a recognized challenge; in an object-based system where communicating elements hold their own state, data, and functionality it can be even more difficult to find effective test suites. The module looks at the core issues with software test, and at what approaches are typically used in industry for test at each stage and level of a software project. There is a special focus on messaging and serialization, two key elements of connectivity in OO systems that have their own challenges and approaches for thorough test and development. Finally, the module looks at a first-level view of JUnit, a unit testing framework used in industry with Java that will also be used (in a simple fashion) as a tool for grading and verifying course programming work.

The capstone project presented here lets the student confirm their understanding of the three main tools employed in OOAD projects – Java, JUnit, and UML. While the capstone is not an extreme challenge, it does provide a common checkpoint to ensure skills are in place for more challenging OO design and development in the two follow-on courses – and provides the student with an opportunity to review their readiness to continue in the specialization.