Definition

aspect-oriented programming (AOP)

Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) is an approach to programming that allows global properties of a program to determine how it is compiled into an executable program. AOP can be used with object-oriented programming ( OOP ).

An aspect is a subprogram that is associated with a specific property of a program. As that property varies, the effect "ripples" through the entire program. The aspect subprogram is used as part of a new kind of compiler called an aspect weaver .

The conceptualizers of AOP compare aspect programming to the manufacturing of cloth in which threads are automatically interwoven. Without AOP, programmers must stitch the threads by hand.

This was last updated in January 2011

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