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OOP vs. Data Oriented Programming: Which One to Choose?
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January 14, 2026
Abstract
We rely heavily on polymorphism when programming with the object-oriented paradigm. That has served us really well, especially to create extensible code. However, like any tool and technique, there are times when that may not be the right choice. Java now provides an alternative that is useful in those select situations—the data-oriented programming. In this presentation we will start with an example where the highly useful object hierarchy and polymorphism appears as a misfit and discuss how data-oriented programming solves the problem more elegantly. Get a good understanding of when to use each one of these and how to intermix them in your applications.
Presented by Venkat Subramaniam
Dr. Venkat Subramaniam is an award-winning author, founder of Agile Developer, Inc., an instructional professor at the University of Houston, and creator of dev2next conference.
He has trained and mentored thousands of software developers in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, and is a regularly-invited speaker at several international conferences. Venkat helps his clients effectively apply and succeed with sustainable agile practices on their software projects.
Venkat is a (co)author of multiple technical books, including the 2007 Jolt Productivity award winning book Practices of an Agile Developer. You can find a list of his books at agiledeveloper.com. You can find his books at Agile Developer
Location and Time
On the second Wednesday of each month, we meet as a group to discuss the latest and greatest Java related methodologies, technologies and tools. Our meeting space is provided by Improving and is located at 5445 Legacy Dr, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75024.
Social time starts at 6:30 PM, announcements and sponsorship information at 7:00 PM, followed by the presentation which ends by 9:00 PM. Our sponsors provide free food and drink during the social hour. After the presentation has come to an end, we hold a drawing where we give away prizes that are also made possible by our sponsors. We look forward to seeing you there!