Browse Theses

This thesis describes an experiment to use object-oriented programming and design techniques to design and implement an operating system. This experiment uses object-oriented techniques to address problems of operating system portability, maintainability, extensibility and efficiency. The thesis also characterizes an object-oriented operating system.

The results of this experiment are presented in two parts. First, after presenting background information and relevant definitions, I characterize an object-oriented operating system. I then proceed to describe the design and implementation of an experimental object-oriented operating system. This presentation maps conventional operating system wisdom into the object-oriented framework supported by the experimental system. In this way, I show that object-oriented techniques can support realistic operating system algorithms and mechanisms, as well as provide software engineering advantages. The presentation of the system stresses ways in which object-oriented techniques support the system's design and implementation.

The experimental system is evaluated in terms of performance, maintainability, portability and extensibility by using examples of how characteristic operating system problems are addressed. I will show that structuring an operating system in an object-oriented fashion and using the capabilities provided by an object-oriented programming language allows the construction of portable, extensible and maintainable operating systems without sacrificing performance. Not only is performance not sacrificed, I will even show how such techniques can often help lead to increased performance over conventionally structured systems.