Object-oriented programming is a popular buzzword these days. What is the reason for this popularity? Is object-oriented programming the solution to the software crisis or is it just a fad? Is it a simple evolutionary step or a radical change in software methodology? What is the central idea behind object-orien ted design? Are there special applications for which object-oriented program ming is particularly suited? Which object-oriented language should be used? There is no simple answer to these questions. Although object-oriented programming was invented more than twenty years ago, we still cannot claim that we know everything about this programming technique. Many new con cepts have been developed during the past decade, and new applications and implications of object-oriented programming are constantly being discovered. This book can only try to explain the nature of object-oriented program ming in as much detail as possible. It should serve three purposes. First, it is intended as an introduction to the basic concepts of object-oriented program ming. Second, the book describes the concept of prototypes and explains why and how they can improve the way in which object-oriented programs are developed. Third, it introduces the programming language Omega, an object oriented language that was designed with easy, safe and efficient software development in mind."

This book is intended for the novice as well as for the experienced programmer who wants to learn Modula-2. We do not limit ourselves to just a description of Modula-2. Instead, we seek to familiarize the reader with the concept of algorithms and to show him/her how to implement algorithms in Modula-2. The programming language Modula-2 was developed by Niklaus Wirth (also the father of world-famous Pascal) and made public in 1978. Compared to other programming languages such as Ada, COBOL or PL/ , Modula-2 is a compact language, which makes it easy to learn. Nevertheless, Modula-2 contains all important language elements necessary for formulating complicated algorithms and for implementing the modern concepts of software engineering. Modula-2 is distinguished by a systematic structure that makes it possible to write easily readable programs. The language supports many of the principles of modern software engineering. All this makes Modula-2 a useful instrument for an introduction to the basics of programming. This textbook strives to establish a solid foundation in the techniques of programming with up-to-date methods of program development. Use of the programming language Modula-2 is reinforced with numerous hands-on exercises. This book does not presuppose any knowledge of programming, but it does require a certain ability in the realm of abstract thinking, some pleasure in problem solving, and a desire to come to terms with complex interrelationships.

Dieses Buch, in dessen Titel sich "Einfuhrung in die Programmierung" und "Programmierung mit Modula-2" verbinden, wendet sich sowohl an den Programmieranfanger, als auch an den erfahrenen Programmierer, der die Sprache Modula-2 erlernen will. Einerseits vermittelt es ein solides Grundwissen der Programmiertechnik und fuhrt in zeitgemasse Methoden des Programmentwurfs ein, andererseits gibt es eine handbuchartige Beschreibung der Programmiersprache Modula-2 und ubt ihren methodischen Gebrauch an vielen Beispielen ein. Die von Niklaus Wirth stammende Programmiersprache Modula-2 hat, im Gegensatz zu Programmiersprachen wie Ada, COBOL oder PL/I, einen geringen Sprachumfang und ist daher leicht erlernbar. Trotzdem enthalt sie alle Sprachelemente, die zur Formulierung kompliziertester Algorithmen und zur Realisierung der modernen Konzepte des Software Engineering erforderlich sind. Modula-2 zeichnet sich durch einen systematischen Aufbau aus, ermoglicht das Schreiben gut lesbarer Programme, unterstutzt moderne Prinzipien des Software Engineering und eignet sich zur Implementierung auf Mikrocomputern; all dies macht die Sprache zu einem wertvollen Instrument auch zur Einfuhrung in die Grundlagen der Programmierung. Die meisten Kapitel und viele Abschnitte enthalten Ubungsaufgaben, die dem Leser helfen sollen, das erlernte Wissen zu vertiefen und seinen Wissensstand zu uberprufen. Das Buch unterscheidet sich von vielen Buchern uber Programmiersprachen vor allem dadurch, dass das Hauptgewicht nicht auf der Programmiersprache selbst, sondern auf der Programmiermethodik liegt. In der bereits 1 1/2 Jahre nach Erscheinen des Buches vorliegenden 2. Auflage wurden alle bekanntgewordenen Fehler und Unklarheiten beseitigt.