In designing their model, the scientists chose an approach called object-oriented programming, which parallels the design of modern software systems. Software designers organize their programs in modules, which communicate with one another by passing data and instructions back and forth.
Similarly, the simulated bacterium is a series of modules that mimic the various functions of the cell.
Pretty cool that a relatively mass-market outlet like the Times thought it was worth mentioning OOP. Even as a software developer, it's a stretch for me to visualize what it means to simulate an organism; what a difficult job for the Times to distill it down into a couple of paragraphs for a lay audience.
Similarly, the simulated bacterium is a series of modules that mimic the various functions of the cell.
Pretty cool that a relatively mass-market outlet like the Times thought it was worth mentioning OOP. Even as a software developer, it's a stretch for me to visualize what it means to simulate an organism; what a difficult job for the Times to distill it down into a couple of paragraphs for a lay audience.