In ODMG ODL syntax, are operations (methods) specified by writing the operation name followed by parentheses and parameters, analogous to method signatures in object-oriented languages?

Introduction / Context:
ODL borrows familiar object-oriented declaration patterns for interfaces and operations. Developers who know C++ or Java method signatures will recognize the form used to declare operations in ODL. This question confirms whether operations are declared using the conventional “name + parenthesis” syntax.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Interfaces (classes) in ODL can declare operations alongside attributes and relationships.
• Operations have names and parameter lists; they may specify return types and exceptions.
• We are concerned with the syntactic convention for denoting operations.

Concept / Approach:
ODL defines operations with a method-like signature: return_type opName(param_list). Parentheses delimit the optional parameter list, mirroring mainstream object-oriented languages and easing adoption by developers.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Define the interface (class) in ODL.Declare the operation name immediately followed by parentheses.Provide zero or more parameters inside the parentheses, with types.Optionally declare exceptions or modifiers permitted by ODL.Reference the operation from applications or bindings to invoke behavior.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consult ODL grammar in standard references: the production rules show an operation declared with parentheses after the identifier, not square brackets or other delimiters.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Brackets (option b) are not used to declare operations. Abstract-only (option c) is false; the syntax applies to both concrete and abstract operations. Relationship blocks (option d) define links, not operations. Parameterless-only (option e) is incorrect; parameters are permitted and common.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing attribute accessors with explicit operations; forgetting that operation semantics are outside ODL's persistence semantics, which focus on structure and identity rather than behavior implementation.

Final Answer:
Applies — operations use parentheses after the name