Top Object-Oriented Programming Languages
In the ever-changing software engineering landscape, object-oriented programming (OOP) remains one of the most powerful, versatile, and widespread paradigms. Created in the 1960s, it gained popularity through languages such as Smalltalk and later Java. The way software is developed and structured has been completely transformed by OOP. This paradigm allows developers to organise code using objects. Due to its similarity to human thinking, this approach has become convenient and popular for developing both simple programmes and complex enterprise applications.
In this article, we will thoroughly explore the object-oriented language definition and examine the core principles. Also, we lay out the TOP 5 object-oriented programming languages, and conclude with insights into how PNN Soft leverages these technologies to engineer robust, scalable, and customized software solutions for businesses around the world.
Before diving into specific languages, it’s essential to answer “what is object oriented language” and why it plays such a critical role in modern software development. An object-oriented language (OOL) is a type of programming language that is based on the paradigm of organizing software design around objects. All objects have two attributes: attributes (characteristics of the object) and methods (actions performed by the object), which are described in their class. Classes are templates for creating an object, and their number is unlimited. These objects constantly interact with each other, so the programme starts to work and perform its functions.
These fundamental concepts make object-oriented languages perfect for various uses, from straightforward desktop applications to complex distributed systems. Writing clean, scalable, and maintainable software necessitates comprehending OOP, regardless of whether you are developing a mobile application, a comprehensive enterprise CRM or embedded software.
The object-oriented language definition is deeply rooted in four foundational concepts:encapsulation, inheritance, abstraction, and polymorphism. These principles empower developers to manage complexity by designing reusable, flexible, and maintainable code. Encapsulation protects internal object states, inheritance promotes reuse, abstraction hides unnecessary details, and polymorphism enables code generalization and extension without modification. These 4 key principles are at the heart of every OOL.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation is the process of combining the methods that manipulate the data and the attributes into a single, coherent entity, typically a class. This principle is based on the idea of “hide the unnecessary, leave only the necessary”. Such data is called private. It can also be protected when it is possible to access this data under certain conditions. Better control over access to and modification of data is provided by encapsulation, which protects the internal state of an object from accidental interference and misuse. This increases modularity, improves security, and facilitates customisation.
Abstraction
Inheritance is a mechanism by which one class (usually called a child or subclass) inherits properties and behaviour from another class (the parent or superclass). This reduces the load and repetition in the code, making it lighter and clearer. How does it work? For example, when you create a game, you have an object with the Animal class and the eat() method. We create a subclass Dog that inherits the method but can still have its own properties. A lightweight hierarchy of object classifications improves the intuitiveness of the system architecture and simplifies the process of writing code for developers.
Inheritance
Abstraction helps developers make things less complicated. This principle is based on the idea of hiding everything complex and showing only what the user needs. It allows a class to display a straightforward interface while concealing the specifics of its operation. This approach is particularly useful in large systems, where abstraction helps teams focus on what an object does rather than how it does it.
Polymorphism
Polymorphism allows a single function, method, or interface to operate in different ways depending on the context. It comes in two main forms: compile-time (method overloading) and run-time (method overriding). Through polymorphism, developers can write code that works on the superclass level but dynamically resolves to the behaviour of specific subclasses at runtime. This simplifies code extension, fosters loose coupling, and supports open/closed design principles where code is open for extension but closed for modification.
Thanks to these principles, developers can create flexible, scalable, modular, and intuitive software solutions with API integration. Each of these principles is a brick that forms the foundation of the object-oriented programming languages. Understanding and applying them effectively allows development teams to produce cleaner architectures, reduce technical debt, and build systems that can evolve with business needs. Now, when it is clear with object-oriented language definition, we can have a close look at the list of programming languages.
We propose to consider the object-oriented programming languages list, which is presented from the least popular language to the most widespread as of 2025. We will describe and consider the strengths and weaknesses of each language that determine its popularity among software developers.
Overview:
Ruby is a purely OOP language that is characterised as high-level, interpreted, simple, and productive. Created in the mid-1990s, Ruby was designed to balance functional programming with developer readability. Ruby’s expressive syntax was a fresh breath of air for developers, and for a while, it was a widespread programming language. Although it is still in use today, its relevance has dropped significantly. Ruby gained massive popularity with the advent of Webframework (Ruby on Rails). With this OOL, developers prefer conventions to configuration – this is the main principle of the framework.
Key Features:
▸ Elegant and human-readable syntax, designed to minimize developer frustration and reduce the cognitive load during coding.
▸ Convention over configuration, the main principle of Ruby on Rails frameworks.
▸ Dynamic typing and duck typing, providing flexibility in how objects behave and interact.
▸ Advanced meta-programming, allowing developers to write code that automatically links all objects together, without any additional settings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is well-suited for rapid prototyping, startups, and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) development due to its developer-friendliness and intuitive nature. | Slower runtime performance compared to compiled or lower-level languages, which may limit Ruby’s use in performance-critical environments. |
| Ruby on Rails, is the productive web development frameworks, includes built-in tools for routing, database access, authentication, testing, and more. | Smaller ecosystem and community than giants like Python or Java, leading to fewer resources and libraries in certain domains (e.g., data science, AI). |
| Expressive and concise, allowing developers to accomplish complex tasks with minimal code. | Less commonly used in enterprise-scale applications, where Java, C#, or Python tend to dominate due to scalability and vendor support. |
Ruby is still a great choice for teams building websites. PNN Soft has experience in Ruby on Rails development, but today we prefer more advanced OOP solutions.
Example:
Overview:
Is C an object oriented programming language?
Is C an object-oriented programming language? No! Then why is C++ included in this list? C is a procedural programming language without built-in support for classes or objects. C++ was developed to overcome this limitation and is considered the first object-oriented programming language (since the 1980s). C++ is a powerful multi-paradigm programming language that combines the flexibility of procedural programming with the structure and abstraction of object-oriented programming. Today, C++ is considered one of the most performance-optimised and versatile programming languages in existence. It plays an important role in the development of games, system software, drivers, and embedded systems.
Key Features:
▸Direct memory management via pointers and manual allocation/deallocation (new, delete) gives developers granular control over performance.
▸Supports both OOP and procedural paradigms, making it flexible for a wide range of project architectures
▸Compile-time polymorphism and runtime polymorphism allow for highly optimized and extensible code
▸Templates and generic programming support code reusability and type safety at compile time
▸Wide usage in performance-critical applications, including game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine), trading platforms, and operating systems (e.g., parts of Windows, macOS).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly efficient and fast, ideal for applications that require close-to-hardware control and minimal latency. | Complex and sometimes verbose syntax, which may hinder rapid development or onboarding for beginners. |
| Fine-grained control over system resources, including CPU, memory, and storage access. | Manual memory management increases the risk of bugs like memory leaks, dangling pointers, and segmentation faults. |
| Deterministic behavior, especially important in systems where resource usage must be predictable (e.g., aerospace, automotive). | Steep learning curve, especially when combining OOP with templates, exception handling, and concurrency. |
| Vast legacy codebase and mature ecosystem, supported by libraries like Boost, STL, and Qt. | Slower development cycle compared to modern high-level languages due to the need for detailed code optimization and debugging. |
Despite its complexity, C++ remains unmatched when performance, efficiency, and low-level access are required. At PNN Soft, we use C++ to engineer high-performance systems, custom device drivers, real-time applications, and simulation tools where every millisecond counts. Our teams apply modern C++ standards to ensure clean, safe, and maintainable code without sacrificing speed or control.
Object oriented programming examples:
Overview:
C# is one of the object-oriented programming languages. It is a modern, statically typed programming language developed by Microsoft as part of its .NET platform. Today, it is often used for developing games on Unity, Windows programmes, and complex web applications on ASP.NET and cloud services. That is why it ranks third in this top list.
Designed to be simple, powerful, and flexible, C# combines the ease of use of high-level languages with the power of low-level programming capabilities.
Key Features:
▸Seamless integration with Windows OS and Microsoft technologies such as Azure, Office 365, and SQL Server
▸Rich base class library (BCL) providing built-in support for file I/O, networking, data access, GUI development, and more
▸Asynchronous programming support using asyng andawait keywords simplifies the development of responsive and scalable applications
▸Automatic memory management with a highly optimized garbage collector that reduces memory leaks and improves stability
▸Strong language interoperability, allowing integration with other .NET languages like VB.NET and F#.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for building robust desktop and web applications, especially with tools like WPF, WinForms, ASP.NET, and Blazor. | Limited cross-platform reach compared to Java or Python (though recent .NET Core/MAUI improvements are closing the gap quickly). |
| Strong tooling support, including Visual Studio, which is one of the most feature-packed IDEs for business development. | Tight dependency on the Microsoft ecosystem, which may be a consideration for teams preferring open-source or non-Windows environments. |
| It is a top option for 2D/3D games, VR/AR apps, and simulations because it is great for Unity-based game development. | Less flexibility in certain scenarios such as system-level programming or ultra-low-latency tasks compared to C++. |
| Rapid development cycle due to mature frameworks, integrated debugging tools, and strong documentation. | – |
We rely on C# to build high-quality enterprise systems, internal business tools, and immersive applications using Unity. Whether it’s cloud-native architecture or cross-platform desktop software, our C# development teams deliver clean, maintainable, and high-performance code that meets the needs of modern businesses.
Example:
Overview:
Java is a high-level, statically typed, class-based, and strictly object-oriented programming language that has stood the test of time. Java was created based on the principle of ‘write once, run anywhere’ — a concept implemented using the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This makes programs created with Java virtually platform-independent. It is most often used for developing Android applications, backend solutions, cloud microservices, and complex software for banks and large companies. Over the past two decades, Java has remained one of the most widely used object oriented programming languages.
Key Features:
▸Platform independence thanks to JVM. Java solutions allow you to work on any operating system without recompiling
▸The Java API offers a wide range of built-in classes and functions covering everything from networking to data structures and security
▸Reliable memory management that increases application reliability.
▸Powerful multithreading support, allowing you to perform tasks simultaneously and efficiently use processor resources in modern systems.
▸Mature ecosystem. Spring, Hibernate, Maven, and Gradle optimise development and integration in enterprises.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A large and active community of developers provides comprehensive support and modernises solutions. | Extensive syntax can slow down development. |
| Excellent cross-platform capabilities. | Complicated development of graphical user interfaces. |
| High scalability and ease of maintenance, thanks to which Java dominates in enterprise-level systems (CRM and ERP). | Overhead on performance, as Java is interpreted by the JVM rather than compiled directly into machine code. |
| Strong backward compatibility means that older Java applications continue to function with minimal changes even on newer JVM versions. | – |
Java’s strong typing, consistent performance, and enterprise focus make it a backbone of mission-critical software worldwide. At PNN Soft, we leverage Java’s robust capabilities to build secure, scalable, and high-performing solutions tailored to our clients’ needs — from Android applications to complex server-side systems.
Object-oriented programming examples:
Overview:
Python is the most popular object oriented programming languages in 2025. It is a high-level, dynamically typed, and multi-paradigm programming language that emphasises code readability and simplicity. Python is one of the most widely used languages in various areas of software development. Python supports several programming paradigms, including object-oriented, procedural, and functional programming, making it an extremely flexible solution.
Key Features:
▸Its concise and intuitive syntax makes this language easy for beginners and convenient for experts.
▸Supports multiple paradigms, including OOP, which allows developers to choose the most suitable approach for each task.
A robust ecosystem of libraries and frameworks makes it a favourite among professionals.
▸Dynamic typing and interpreted execution, which simplify testing and prototyping.
▸As an OOL, Python allows developers to define classes and create reusable components.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely beginner-friendly, making it ideal for learning programming fundamentals and rapid onboarding. | Slower execution speed compared to compiled languages like C++ or Java, which may be a limitation for compute-intensive applications. |
| It allows you to manage the complexity of large systems while writing code that is easy to read and understand. | Not optimized for mobile development, with limited native support for iOS and Android platforms. |
| Active development and strong community support, ensuring constant improvement and a wealth of resources. | Less suitable for high-performance computing at the hardware level, where lower-level languages provide better control over memory and CPU. |
| Rapid application development, with short feedback loops and strong support for scripting, automation, and DevOps tasks. | – |
At PNN Soft, we extensively use Python to create cutting-edge solutions for various industries. Our experts use Python OOP to develop data science solutions, machine learning, web automation, cloud integration, and more.
Example:
All of the above languages adhere to the basic principles of OOP, but their internal implementation can vary significantly. Understanding the types of object oriented programming helps developers choose the right language and architecture based on project requirements, performance goals, and team expertise. There are three primary types of OOP implementations:
1. Class-Based Object-Oriented Programming. Objects are created as instances of classes, which act as blueprints that define the structure and behaviour of an object. Relationships such as inheritance are established between classes, supporting hierarchical design and reuse of logic. Examples include Java, C++, and C#. Best suited for enterprise applications, large systems, and projects.
2. Prototype-Based Object-Oriented Programming. There are no formal classes in OOP based on prototypes. Instead, objects are inherited directly from other objects. For example, in JavaScript, a new object can be created by cloning an existing one, as well as dynamically extending or customising it during execution. Used to create web solutions with interactive UIs.
3. Multi-Paradigm Object-Oriented Programming. Some object-oriented programming languages offer multi-paradigm capabilities, allowing developers to combine OOP with functional or procedural programming. Examples include Python, Ruby, and Scala. Ideal for teams working on data-intensive applications, scripting, or projects that require both flexibility and clarity.
Object-oriented programming continues to be a foundational approach in modern software engineering. Python stands out as the most versatile due to its multi-paradigm support, ease of learning, and broad applicability in AI, automation, and web development. However, Java and C# remain strong choices for enterprise-level applications, while C++ dominates performance-critical areas. Ruby excels in rapid web development. Ultimately, the choice depends on your project needs, performance expectations, and team expertise. At PNN Soft, we bring years of hands-on experience with leading OOP technologies and deliver robust, scalable solutions across various platforms.
Whether you need to modernize an old application, build a new platform from scratch, or integrate complex systems, we have the right expertise. Partner with us to transform your ideas into reliable, high-performance software.
