Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products for supporting inheritance in a programming language are provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) receiving a first programming object from a first file; 1) receiving inheritance information about the first programming object, the inheritance information being from second file; 2) analyzing the inheritance information; 3) creating a second programming object based on the first programming object and the inheritance information; 4) sending the second programming object to an editor for editing; 5) receiving a third programming object from the editor, wherein the third programming object was created by editing the second programming object; 6) creating a fourth programming object based on the first or second programming object, the third programming object and the inheritance information; and 7) storing the fourth programming object in a third file.