Difference Between Procedural Programming and Object-Oriented Programming

In procedural programming, the focus is on writing procedures or functions that perform specific tasks. Data is typically shared between procedures using global variables or by passing parameters. This type of programming follows a step-by-step approach to solve problems.

On the other hand, object-oriented programming (OOP) involves creating objects that contain both data and methods. These objects interact with one another to perform actions. OOP focuses on modeling real-world entities and encapsulating behavior within objects.

When to Use Each Approach:

Procedural programming is suitable for simpler programs or small projects where the main goal is to perform specific tasks in a linear fashion. It is often used in scripting languages and for quick prototyping.

Object-oriented programming, on the other hand, is ideal for large, complex software systems where components need to interact with each other. OOP promotes code reusability, maintainability, and flexibility.

Ultimately, the choice between procedural and object-oriented programming depends on the requirements of the project and the design considerations. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and the decision should be based on the specific needs of the software being developed.