What does encapsulation refer to in OOP?

Encapsulation in object-oriented programming (OOP) is centered on the concept of bundling together the data (attributes) and the methods (functions) that operate on that data within a single entity, known as a class. This approach promotes a modular structure within code, where each class can manage its own state and behavior. By encapsulating data and behaviors together, it enhances the security and integrity of the data by restricting direct access to it from outside the class. Instead, interactions with the data are performed through well-defined interfaces (methods), which helps in maintaining the abstraction and hiding the internal implementation details from the outside world.

This principle not only refines the organization of code but also makes it easier to manage and maintain, as each class can be worked on independently. This leads to a more structured and clear design, which ultimately aids in reducing complexity while improving code reusability. When a class encapsulates its data, it can ensure that the data is modified only in controlled ways, enhancing data protection and integrity within the software.