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Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) allows software developers to add code to existing programs without changing the code related to the program’s main functionality. Learn about aspect-oriented programming with online courses delivered through edX.

What is aspect-oriented programming?

Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) is used to make it easier to add code to existing programs without changing the code itself.1 AOP improves a program’s modularity by breaking code into manageable sections and separating cross-cutting concerns.2

Cross-cutting concerns refer to tasks or aspects with repeated relevance throughout a program. These features can span multiple components of a software system, such as logging, security, and error handling. These concerns are often scattered across multiple classes and components, making it difficult to modify them without affecting the core functionality of the code. By using aspect-oriented programming, these cross-cutting concerns can be isolated into separate aspects, making the code easier to read and maintain.3

Many popular programming languages implement AOP because of its efficiency and tight organization. This includes C++, Smalltalk, C#, C, and Java.4 Aspect-oriented programming frameworks are software libraries that provide support for developing applications with this type of programming. Examples of frameworks include AspectJ, Spring AOP, and PostSharp.

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Aspect-oriented programming course curriculum

Online aspect-oriented programming tutorials can help you understand this complex subject by introducing you to the foundations of computer science and answering key questions such as:

  • What is aspect-oriented programming?

  • What is Spring AOP?

  • What are the benefits of AOP versus OOP (object-oriented programming)?

  • What do weaving, join points, and advice mean in the context of AOP?

Whether you’re a beginner in programming or an advanced coder, online aspect-oriented programming courses may open up new career opportunities and uncover hidden interests. edX offers a wide range of computer science courses and even coding boot camps designed to accommodate every skill and experience level.

Jobs that use aspect-oriented programming

Efficient aspect-oriented programming can save valuable time during coding projects. Across industries, job roles that interact with programming languages may benefit from knowledge of aspect-oriented programming. This includes jobs like:

  • Software developer: can use AOP to create modular and reusable code.

  • Web developer: can use AOP to create more efficient web application architectures.

  • Programmer: can define reusable components and use them across multiple projects to help teams share code and maintain applications.

  • DevOps engineers: can use AOP to create automated processes that ensure applications are running efficiently.

Begin to develop the skills you need to pursue these roles. edX offers a wide variety of learning options ranging from specialized boot camps to full programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree or pursue a master’s degree. Find the best learning path for you.

How to use aspect-oriented programming as a developer

At its core, aspect-oriented programming can provide developers with heightened flexibility and organization. When writing programs with several methods, developers could use AOP to save space by grouping concerns that affect multiple areas — from logging to caching. This functionality can be useful when developers are writing long applications with multiple logic layers. For example, Java applications can contain business, data, and web layers. Aspect-oriented programming allows developers to concentrate purely on business logic and make changes to essential concerns from one central location.5

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Aspect-Oriented Software Development (AOSD). (2014). Techopedia. Retrieved March 8, 2023.

    2. Aspect-Oriented Software Development (AOSD). (2014). Techopedia. Retrieved March 8, 2023.

    3. Managing Cross Cutting Concerns - The Logger and Logging. (2020). C#Corner. Retrieved March 8, 2023.

    4. Aspect Oriented Programming. (2004). Developer.com. Retrieved March 8, 2023.

    5. An introduction to Aspect-Oriented Programming. (2021). LinkedIn. Retrieved March 8, 2023.