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# What are Object Oriented Principles?

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Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that uses “objects” to design applications and computer programs. It is based on several key principles: Encapsulation, Abstraction, Inheritance, and Polymorphism. Let’s dive into each of these principles with examples:

1. Encapsulation

Encapsulation is the concept of bundling the data (attributes) and methods (functions) that operate on the data into a single unit, or class. It also involves restricting direct access to some of the object’s components, which is a means of preventing accidental interference and misuse of the data.

Example:
class Car
  def initialize(make, model, year)
    @make = make
    @model = model
    @year = year
  end

  def details
    "#{@year} #{@make} #{@model}"
  end
end

my_car = Car.new("Toyota", "Corolla", 2020)
puts my_car.details  # Output: 2020 Toyota Corolla
In this example, the Car class encapsulates the attributes make, model, and year, and provides a method details to access them.

2. Abstraction

Abstraction is the concept of hiding the complex implementation details and showing only the essential features of the object. It helps in reducing programming complexity and effort.

Example:

class CoffeeMachine
  def make_coffee
    boil_water
    brew_coffee
    pour_in_cup
  end

  private

  def boil_water
    puts "Boiling water..."
  end

  def brew_coffee
    puts "Brewing coffee..."
  end

  def pour_in_cup
    puts "Pouring coffee into cup..."
  end
end

machine = CoffeeMachine.new
machine.make_coffee
Here, the CoffeeMachine class abstracts the process of making coffee. The user only needs to call make_coffee without worrying about the underlying steps.

3. Inheritance

Inheritance is a mechanism where a new class inherits the properties and behavior of an existing class. It promotes code reusability.

Example:

class Animal
  def speak
    "Hello!"
  end
end

class Dog < Animal
  def speak
    "Woof!"
  end
end

dog = Dog.new
puts dog.speak  # Output: Woof!
In this example, the Dog class inherits from the Animal class but overrides the speak method.

4. Polymorphism

Polymorphism allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass. It is achieved through method overriding and method overloading.

Example:

class Shape
  def area
    raise "This method should be overridden by subclasses"
  end
end

class Circle < Shape
  def initialize(radius)
    @radius = radius
  end

  def area
    Math::PI * @radius**2
  end
end

class Rectangle < Shape
  def initialize(length, width)
    @length = length
    @width = width
  end

  def area
    @length * @width
  end
end

shapes = [Circle.new(5), Rectangle.new(4, 6)]
shapes.each { |shape| puts shape.area }
In this example, both Circle and Rectangle classes inherit from the Shape class and implement the area method. The shapes array can hold objects of both classes, and calling area on each object will invoke the appropriate method.

These principles help in creating modular, reusable, and maintainable code.