Smalltalk, C++, OOCOBOL, Java, Visual Basic, Eiffel

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

 
ST
C++
OO COBOL
Java
VB
Eiffel
Flexibility Dynamic Binding
1
2
2
2
3
1
  Dynamic Classes
1
3
1
2
3
3
  Multiple Inheritance
3
2
2
3
3
1
  Roles/Interfaces
2
3
3
1
2
1
  Function pointers/lexical closure
1
2
3
3
3
2
Ease of use Class Libraries
1
3
3
2
1
1
  Learning Curve
1
3
2
1
1
1
  Speed of Development
1
3
2
2
1
1
  Portability
2
3
3
1
3
1
Support Tools
1
1
2
2
1
2
  Multiple Vendors
2
1
3
1
3
2
  Internet Aware
3
3
3
1
2
3
Performance  
2
1
3
2
2
2
Productivity Lines of code/function point
1
3
2
3
2
1
Risk Garbage Collection
1
3
3
2
3
1
  Memory Leaks
1
3
1
1
1
1
  Overwriting Memory
1
3
1
1
1
1
  Ready for Prime Time
1
1
2
1
1
1
TOTAL (low means best)
26
43
41
31
36
26

References

Jeff SutherlandObjects, Databases, and the Web
© Jeff Sutherland 1995-98