In object-oriented programming, what does encapsulation refer to?

Encapsulation in object-oriented programming is a fundamental principle that refers to the bundling of data (attributes) and methods (functions) that operate on that data into a single unit, typically known as a class. This concept helps in hiding the internal state of an object from the outside world and restricts direct access to some of the object's components.

By encapsulating the data and methods, a developer can protect the integrity of the data by controlling how it can be accessed or modified, usually through public methods called accessors (getters) and mutators (setters). This practice not only helps maintain the integrity of the data but also promotes modularity and reduces complexity in the codebase.

Encapsulation enables developers to create clear interfaces and improve maintainability, as any changes to the internal workings of a class can be made without affecting other parts of the code that interact with the class via its public interface. This encapsulation of behavior and state is what distinguishes object-oriented programming from other programming paradigms, reinforcing the idea of objects as self-contained entities.