When `this` is used in a method, what does it reference?

The use of this within a method refers to the current instance of the object. This means that this acts as a pointer to the object that is currently executing the method, allowing access to its properties and methods.

In object-oriented programming, especially in languages like Java, C#, and JavaScript, when a method is called on an object, this provides a way to reference that specific object. For example, if you have an instance of a class called Car, within any method of the Car class, using this will help to distinguish between the instance's properties and any parameters that might be passed to the method.

It enables the method to access or modify the instance variables, making it an essential aspect of object-oriented design. This contextual information is crucial for understanding how methods interact with the data encapsulated within objects.