Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that organizes data and behavior into reusable structures called objects. Each object is an instance of a class, which defines the properties (data fields) and methods (functions) that the object can possess.
OOP aims to enhance code reusability, modularity, and maintainability. It allows for the creation of complex systems by breaking them down into smaller, interconnected objects that collaborate to provide the desired functionality.
Key concepts in OOP include encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism:
- Encapsulation: Ensures that an object's internal state is hidden and can only be accessed through well-defined interfaces.
- Inheritance: Enables the creation of new classes based on existing classes, inheriting their properties and behaviors.
- Polymorphism: Allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass, providing a unified interface to interact with them.