This publication describes an alternative methodology for finite element programming based on
object-oriented techniques. The concepts of object-oriented programming are outlined and it is
explained, how this new paradigm facilitates design, implementation and support of large
programming systems. Because the knowledge of object-oriented programs is not dispersed in the
actual code, but rather localized in structures, the causal knowledge, meta knowledge and
constraints may be integrated in a uniform manner. Control structures separate the external level
('what') from the internal ('how') by encapsulating the actual implementation. As programming
language C++ is used.