Introduction to Functional Classes in CS1

Abstract: Students introduced to programming using a design-based approach and a functional programming language become familiar with first-class functions. They rarely, however, connect first-class functions to objects and object-oriented program design. This is a missed opportunity because students inevitably go on to courses using an object-oriented programming language. This article describes how students are introduced to objects within the setting of a design-based introduction to programming that uses a functional language. The methodology exposes students to interfaces, classes, objects, and polymorphic dispatch. Initial student feedback suggests that students benefit from the approach.