OBJECT AGGREGATION Meaning and
Definition
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Object aggregation is a concept often used in object-oriented programming and design to describe the relationship between objects. It refers to a process where one object, known as the aggregate object, combines or collects references to other objects, known as aggregated objects, to form a cohesive entity.
In object aggregation, the aggregate object acts as a container or a composite that encapsulates multiple objects within it. These aggregated objects can be of the same or different classes, representing various entities or subdivisions of the aggregate object. The aggregate object is responsible for managing the lifecycle and interactions between the aggregated objects, as well as providing a unified interface to access and manipulate them.
The relationship between the aggregate object and the aggregated objects is typically one of containment or ownership, meaning that the aggregate object controls the existence and behavior of the aggregated objects. However, unlike object composition, object aggregation allows the aggregated objects to exist independently even if the aggregate object is destroyed.
Object aggregation promotes modularity, encapsulation, and code reusability as it allows for the creation of complex systems by combining smaller, reusable objects. It enables the construction of higher-level structures and functionalities by assembling lower-level objects, fostering flexibility and maintainability in software development.
Overall, object aggregation provides a way to organize and structure objects in a more hierarchical manner, facilitating the design of flexible and extensible object-oriented systems.
Etymology of OBJECT AGGREGATION
The etymology of the term "object aggregation" can be broken down into its two constituent parts: "object" and "aggregation".
1. Object: The word "object" originates from the Latin word "objectus", which means "thrown before" or "something presented to the mind". Over time, it evolved to refer to something tangible that can be perceived or recognized. In the context of computer science and programming, an object represents a self-contained entity that contains both data (attributes) and code (methods) to manipulate that data.
2. Aggregation: The term "aggregation" comes from the Latin word "aggregare", which means "to herd together" or "to collect into a flock or herd". It refers to the process of gathering or collecting different elements into a whole. In computer science, aggregation refers to a relationship between objects where one object is composed of or owns other objects.
