Object-Oriented vs Object-Based Programming – What’s the Difference?

 One of the most common and important questions in programming is:

“What is the difference between Object-Oriented and Object-Based Programming?”

Many students get confused because these two terms sound similar. But in reality, they have fundamental differences. Let’s break them down clearly with explanations, examples, and a comparison table.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) – A Complete Paradigm

What is Object-Oriented Programming?

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm based on the concept of "objects." These objects can store data (in fields or variables) and perform actions (through methods or functions).

Languages that are object-oriented support all the four pillars of OOP:

1. Encapsulation – Binding data and methods in a class

2. Inheritance – One class can inherit properties of another

3. Polymorphism – Same function behaves differently in different contexts

4. Abstraction – Hiding internal details and showing only essential information

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✅ Examples of Object-Oriented Languages:

• Java

• C++

• Python (supports OOP features)

• C#

• Scala

• Ruby

These languages allow you to fully implement the OOP model using classes, inheritance, interfaces, and method overriding.

Example in Java (Object-Oriented Language):

class Animal {
    void sound() {
        System.out.println("Animal makes sound");
    }
}

class Dog extends Animal {
    void sound() {
        System.out.println("Dog barks");
    }
}

Here:

• Dog inherits from Animal

• We use polymorphism by overriding the method

• It’s a perfect OOP structure

Object-Based Programming – A Subset

What is Object-Based Programming?

Object-Based Programming is similar to Object-Oriented Programming, but it does not support all OOP features – especially inheritance and sometimes polymorphism.

In object-based languages:

• You can create and use objects

• But you cannot create classes or use inheritance

• Often used in scripting or lightweight environments

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 Missing in Object-Based Languages:

• No support for inheritance

• Sometimes limited or no polymorphism

• Lacks class-based design (objects are created directly)

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✅ Examples of Object-Based Languages:

• JavaScript (before ES6)

• VBScript

• Object Pascal

• Tcl

In early JavaScript, you could create objects but not classes:

let person = {

    name: "John",

    greet: function() {

        console.log("Hello " + this.name);

    }

};

• No classes
• No inheritance
• Just an object literal → object-based

Object-Oriented vs Object-Based – Key Differences

The Core Difference

Object-Oriented Programming gives you the full power of designing reusable, hierarchical, and structured code using classes and inheritance.

Object-Based Programming is limited to object manipulation only, often used in simpler scripting environments or older languages.

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🧠 Final Thought for Students

🔑 Remember:

• All Object-Oriented languages are Object-Based,

• But not all Object-Based languages are Object-Oriented.

If you're learning Java or C++, you're working with a fully Object-Oriented language.