OOP vs POP: Difference Between OOP and POP

Did you know? Recent studies reveal that integrating OOP techniques like encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism into AI and machine learning projects can supercharge code modularity, scalability, and maintainability—making complex systems easier to manage and optimize!

OOP vs POP represents two distinct programming paradigms. OOP focuses on objects and their interactions, promoting modularity and reuse, while POP emphasizes functions and a step-by-step execution approach, making it simpler for smaller tasks but less flexible for complex systems.

In this blog, you’ll explore the origins, core principles, and practical applications of OOP and POP. We will compare their approaches, highlight key differences, and offer tips for transitioning from POP to OOP! 

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Key Differences Between POP and OOP

The difference between OOP and POP lies in how they structure code. OOP focuses on objects that combine data and functions, promoting reusability and scalability, while POP relies on functions and a linear flow of execution. 

Below is an overview comparison of OOP vs POP.

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Also Read: Principles of OOP (Object-Oriented Programming)

Now that you've grasped the key differences between OOP and POP, it's time to dive deeper into each paradigm. 

What is Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)? 

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a way of structuring code by organizing it around "objects" rather than just focusing on functions and steps. In OOP, everything is broken down into objects that represent real-world items, each with its own data and actions. For example, an “Account” object in a banking app could hold balance information and handle deposits or withdrawals.

This approach connects data directly with the functions that work on it, making code more organized, secure, and easy to work with. OOP is especially useful for large, complex projects that may need regular updates or expansions, like mobile apps, simulation systems, and business software. 

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a method of organizing code by focusing on "objects" instead of just procedures or steps. In OOP, each object represents a real-world entity and contains both data and functions that operate on that data. For example, an Account object in a banking app would have properties like balance and actions like deposit or withdrawal.

Key Features of OOP:

1. Encapsulation:

Encapsulation refers to bundling the data (attributes) and the methods (functions) that manipulate the data into a single unit, known as an object. This helps in protecting the internal state of an object from outside interference and misuse, ensuring that data is accessed or modified only through well-defined methods. 

For example, in a banking system, the Account object hides its balance details and only exposes methods for deposit and withdrawal.

2. Modularity:

OOP promotes breaking down the system into smaller, manageable pieces called objects. Each object is responsible for a specific task and can be developed, tested, and maintained independently. This leads to cleaner, more organized code that can be easily updated or extended. 

For instance, in a game, different objects like Player, Enemy, and Score can be created, each managing its specific behaviors and data.

3. Abstraction:

Abstraction involves hiding complex details and only exposing essential information to the user. By focusing on the "what" an object does rather than "how" it does it, OOP makes it easier to interact with complex systems. 

For example, a user interacting with an Account object in a banking app doesn't need to know how deposits are processed internally but can use simple functions like deposit() and withdraw().

4. Inheritance:

Inheritance allows one class (child class) to inherit properties and methods from another class (parent class), promoting code reusability. It helps in creating a hierarchical relationship between classes. 

For instance, you might have a base class called Shape with properties like area and perimeter, and subclasses like Circle or Rectangle that inherit these properties and add their specific features.

5. Polymorphism:
Polymorphism means that different classes can define methods with the same name, but each class can have a different implementation of that method. This allows for flexibility and reuse of code. 

For example, both a Circle and a Rectangle can have a method calculateArea(), but the calculation would be different for each, depending on the shape’s geometry.

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Also Read: What are the Advantages of Object-Oriented Programming?

Now that you've gained an understanding of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and its key features, let's explore its practical applications. OOP is widely used across various industries to create scalable, maintainable, and efficient software.

Applications of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is widely used across various domains due to its ability to create modular, scalable, and maintainable systems. Here are some key applications of OOP:

1. Software Development
   OOP is the backbone of many modern software systems, allowing developers to build applications that are easier to manage and extend. For example, mobile apps like Instagram and WhatsApp are built using OOP principles, where objects represent users, messages, and media.
2. Game Development
   In game development, OOP is crucial for managing complex interactions between various game elements. Each character, item, and environment in a game can be modeled as an object. For instance, in a role-playing game (RPG), different characters (warriors, mages) inherit common features from a base Character class.
3. Web Development
   In web development, OOP is commonly used for creating dynamic and interactive websites. Frameworks like Django (Python) and Ruby on Rails use OOP to handle tasks like user authentication, database management, and data routing. You can represent users, posts, and comments as objects within the application.
4. Enterprise Applications
   OOP is widely applied in enterprise-level software, where maintaining scalability and code reusability is crucial. For example, ERP systems like SAP or CRM software like Salesforce rely on OOP principles to manage vast amounts of data and processes across different departments, such as inventory, human resources, and sales.
5. Simulation Systems
   OOP is used in building simulation systems, such as flight simulators or weather prediction models. In these systems, various entities (e.g., planes, weather patterns) are represented as objects, and their interactions are modeled through methods, making the simulation more realistic and manageable.

Also Read: Most Common OOPS Interview Questions & Answers

After exploring how OOP encapsulates data and behavior into objects, let's examine the contrasting approach of Procedure-Oriented Programming, which organizes code around functions that operate on separate data structures.

What is Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP)?

Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP) is a programming paradigm that focuses on functions or procedures as the central building blocks of a program. In POP, the logic of the program is divided into a series of functions that operate on data. These functions are executed in a step-by-step manner, with each function performing a specific task.

In POP, the program is typically organized around the sequence of operations to be performed, and data is passed between functions as needed. Unlike Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), which groups data and functions together into objects, POP treats data and functions as separate entities.

For example, in a banking system written using POP, you might have functions like deposit(), withdraw(), and checkBalance() that work with global variables or shared data structures, but there's no encapsulation of data within an object.

Key Features of Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP):

1. Linear Execution:
In POP, the program is executed step-by-step, following a linear sequence of instructions. Each function performs a specific task, and they are executed in the order they are called. 

For example, in a simple program for calculating the area of different shapes, the sequence might start with gathering input (like length and width for a rectangle), followed by the function that calculates the area, and then a function that displays the result.

2. Function-Centric Approach:
The primary focus in POP is on writing functions that perform specific tasks. Functions are created to manipulate data and perform operations. 

For instance, in a banking system, there could be separate functions like deposit(), withdraw(), and balanceEnquiry(). Each function works independently, operating on the same global data (such as a balance variable), but does not encapsulate any data with it.

3.Global Data:
In POP, data is typically stored in global variables, which are accessible across multiple functions. This means that different functions can manipulate the same data directly, leading to potential issues in managing the integrity of that data. 

For example, a variable like accountBalance might be updated directly by the functions deposit() and withdraw() without any protection or structure around the data.

4. Simplicity and Ease of Use:
POP is often considered simpler and easier to understand, especially for smaller programs. Since the program flow is linear and focused on functions performing distinct tasks, it’s easier to follow for basic applications. 

For example, a program that reads user input and displays a greeting message would simply consist of a function to get the input and another to output the greeting.

5. Lack of Data Encapsulation:
Unlike Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), where data is encapsulated within objects, POP does not group data and functions together. This lack of encapsulation makes it less efficient for managing large, complex applications. 

For example, if you were building a student management system in POP, you might have multiple global variables to store student data (like name, ID, grade) and several functions to manipulate that data, but there’s no way to logically group the student data with the operations related to it.

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Also Read: Top 12 Data Science Programming Languages in 2025

While OOP encapsulates data and behavior into objects, Procedure-Oriented Programming organizes code around functions that operate on separate data structures—now let's explore where POP demonstrates its practical value.

Also Read: OOP vs Functional vs Procedural Programming

Applications of Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP)

Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP) focuses on organizing code into functions or procedures that perform specific tasks. This approach is particularly effective in scenarios where simplicity, efficiency, and step-by-step execution are crucial. 

Below, we will explore key applications of POP in various fields.

1. Embedded Systems

• In embedded systems, where hardware and software are closely integrated, POP is commonly used due to its simplicity and efficiency. You can create small, lightweight programs that directly control hardware devices.
• Example: Imagine you're programming a microcontroller to control the temperature of a heating system. By using POP, you would write functions to check the temperature, turn the heater on or off, and monitor system health, making it easier to manage hardware functions with minimal resources.

2. Real-Time Systems

• Real-time systems, such as those found in medical devices or aircraft navigation, need quick responses to inputs. In such scenarios, POP helps break the system into functions that respond to various events efficiently.
• Example: In a real-time heart rate monitor, you would use functions to read sensor data, compare it against thresholds, and trigger alarms or notifications if necessary. The modular nature of POP ensures each function can perform tasks swiftly.

3. Legacy Systems

• Many older software systems, especially in industries like banking or manufacturing, were built using POP. You might find it useful in maintaining or enhancing these systems due to the straightforward, procedural approach.
• Example: You’re tasked with maintaining a banking system that still runs on POP. You could update its transaction processing functions, handling deposits, withdrawals, and transfers without needing to learn complex object-oriented structures.

4. System-Level Programming

• POP is often the preferred choice for system-level programming, where efficiency and direct hardware access are key. You may be working on operating system components, such as file management or process control.
• Example: If you’re writing code for an operating system to handle file management, you can write functions like openFile(), readFile(), and closeFile() to perform specific tasks, which simplifies debugging and improves performance.

5. Data Processing Applications

• In data-intensive applications, POP allows you to focus on the sequence of operations applied to the data. Whether you're processing sensor data or performing calculations, POP provides a clear structure for the functions involved.
• Example: Imagine you're developing a program to process large sets of data, such as calculating statistics. You can create functions to perform specific tasks, like calculateMean(), calculateMedian(), and calculateStandardDeviation(), making it easy to process data step-by-step.

6. Scripting and Automation

• In scenarios like automating repetitive tasks or writing scripts, POP is often used because of its straightforward structure and the ability to define reusable functions.
• Example: If you're automating file organization, you might write functions like moveFile(), renameFile(), and deleteFile(), which you can chain together in sequence to perform batch operations efficiently.

7. Game Development (Simple Games)

• For simple games, especially older ones, you might still use POP to control game flow, player actions, and interactions within the game environment.
• Example: In a simple text-based adventure game, you could define functions like startGame(), playerMove(), and checkWinCondition(). Each function focuses on a specific task, which makes the game easier to develop and debug.

8. Scientific Computations

• When you're working on scientific calculations or simulations, the step-by-step nature of POP fits well. It allows you to break down complex calculations into functions that handle specific tasks.
• Example: If you're simulating the movement of particles in physics, you could write functions like calculateVelocity(), updatePosition(), and applyForces(), each handling a particular aspect of the simulation.

Also Read: 48 Software Engineering Projects in 2025 With Source Code

After examining real-world applications where POP excels, let's compare the suitability of procedure-oriented versus object-oriented approaches based on project requirements and constraints.

Suitability of POP vs. OOP 

Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP) is ideal for small, resource-constrained applications, offering efficiency and simplicity. In contrast, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is best suited for complex, scalable applications that require modularity and data encapsulation. The choice between the two paradigms depends on the project’s complexity, memory requirements, and long-term scalability.

Comparison of POP and OOP Suitability:

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When evaluating whether to use POP or OOP for your project, understanding their relative strengths helps determine the best approach—this naturally leads us to examine which popular programming languages offer robust support for each paradigm.

Top Programming Languages Supporting OOP and POP

Programming languages support various paradigms, with some focusing on Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), others on Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP), and many evolving to offer both. Here’s an overview:

OOP-Focused Languages

• Java: Built for OOP with robust support for classes, inheritance, and encapsulation. Ideal for enterprise applications and Android development.
• C++: Combines OOP with low-level memory control, useful in system-level programming, game development, and applications needing both efficiency and modularity.
• Python: Flexible, supporting both OOP and POP; used widely in data science, web development, and machine learning.
• C#: Integral to .NET framework, popular in enterprise software and game development via Unity, with strong OOP support for modular and secure applications.

POP-Focused Languages

• C: Foundational POP language, excelling in structured, efficient code for embedded systems, operating systems, and applications requiring direct memory control.
• Pascal: Structured syntax, widely used in education and systems programming.
• FORTRAN: Dedicated to numerical and scientific computing, optimal for computationally intensive, function-driven tasks in engineering and physics.

Languages Supporting Both OOP vs POP

• Python: Offers both procedural scripting for quick tasks and OOP for modular applications; popular in data science, automation, and web development.
• C++: Allows POP for low-level programming and OOP for modular, reusable code, suitable for games, simulations, and real-time applications.
• JavaScript: Initially procedural, it now includes OOP features and is used widely for web development. It has both modular and functional capabilities.

Choosing Between OOP vs POP for Projects

When deciding between Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP), the choice depends on the complexity and needs of your project.

• POP is ideal for simpler, smaller projects where tasks follow a straightforward, step-by-step process. It's best for situations with limited resources or real-time systems, like embedded systems or hardware control programs.
• OOP is perfect for larger, more complex applications that need flexibility, scalability, and organized code. It’s great for projects that may grow over time, like web applications or enterprise software.

Example:
If you're building a small utility app for converting currencies, POP would be sufficient. But if you were developing a large e-commerce platform, OOP would help organize different parts of the system (like users, orders, payments) into manageable objects, making the system easier to scale and maintain.

Also Read: What is Pop in Python? A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Boost Your Programming Skills with upGrad’s Software Development Courses!

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) and Procedure-Oriented Programming (POP) each provide unique advantages depending on the complexity and requirements of a project. OOP excels in modularity and scalability, making it ideal for large, complex systems, while POP is perfect for smaller, straightforward applications that require efficiency and simplicity.

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References:
https://www.researchgate.net/topic/Object-Oriented-Programming/publications    
https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.19916