Newsgroups: comp.object,comp.lang.beta,comp.lang.c++,comp.lang.eiffel,comp.lang.python,comp.lang.sather,comp.lang.smalltalk Path: news.daimi.aau.dk!news.uni-c.dk!sunic!sunic.sunet.se!news.sprintlink.net!news.wwa.com!rcm!rmartin From: rmartin@rcmcon.com (Robert Martin) Subject: Re: Rapid Prototyping + statically-typed OOPLs? References: <805548287snz@galacta.demon.co.uk> Organization: R. C. M. Consulting Inc. 708-918-1004 Date: Thu, 13 Jul 1995 15:46:20 GMT Message-ID: <1995Jul13.154620.4333@rcmcon.com> Lines: 45 Xref: news.daimi.aau.dk comp.object:33456 comp.lang.beta:456 comp.lang.c++:128844 comp.lang.eiffel:9221 comp.lang.python:5001 comp.lang.sather:1923 comp.lang.smalltalk:24349 "Dr. Rich Artym" writes: >For example, has anyone developed a genuine prototype in C++ using a very >coarse or minimally-specific class organization, and then repeatedly changed >it, and how did this work out? Was there an important negative impact when >major internal class surgery was needed? Do you have any specific advice >for others that may wish to carry out R.P. using (say) C++ or Eiffel? I and my associates have been embroiled in a significant project for the last couple of years. Prototyping is an important part of this project because the customers does not have precise functional specifications. They work out what the programs ought to do by looking at our prototypes and then adjusting. There may be better languages than C++ for operating in this kind of environment, but we currently have no complaints. We are using Borland C++ and OWL. We have developed a framework of classes that allows us to put a prototype together if very short order, and then go through a number of iterations in an economical fashion. The critical aspect of this ability to rapidly prototype is the afore mentioned framework. This was a large effort on our part. It has evloved and grown over the last couple of years to the point where the prototypes can now be generated very quickly. However, at the outset, when the framework did not exist, prototyping was very slow. Purposely slow. We were investing more effort into the creation of the framework, than we were into the prototypes. Another issue regarding the prototypes is that they all use the same overall design. This design is provided by the framework. Thus, the prototype is not so much a design experiment as it is an *interface* experiment. This has worked very well for us. Our client is happy, and we have had a very gratifying C++ experience. I feel safe in recommending the approach. -- Robert Martin | Design Consulting | Training courses offered: Object Mentor Assoc.| rmartin@oma.com | OOA/D, C++, Advanced OO 2080 Cranbrook Rd. | Tel: (708) 918-1004 | Mgt. Overview of OOT Green Oaks IL 60048 | Fax: (708) 918-1023 | Development Contracts.