What is object-oriented programming (OOP)?

 🧩 What is Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)?

• OOP is a programming style centered around “objects”, which are instances of classes. These objects combine data (attributes) and behaviors (methods/functions) into single entities.
• The main idea is to model real-world things as objects, making programs easier to design, understand, and maintain.

🔑 Core Concepts of OOP

1. Classes and Objects

• Class: A blueprint or template for creating objects.
• Object: A specific instance of a class with actual values.

2. Encapsulation

• Bundling data (attributes) and methods that operate on that data into one unit (class).
• Controls access to the data using access modifiers (private, public, etc.).
• Protects the internal state of the object from outside interference.

3. Inheritance

• Allows a new class (child/subclass) to inherit properties and methods from an existing class (parent/superclass).
• Promotes code reuse and hierarchical relationships.

4. Polymorphism

• Means “many forms”.
• Allows methods to behave differently based on the object that calls them.
• Enables the same interface or method to work in different ways.

5. Abstraction

• Hides complex implementation details and shows only essential features.
• Helps reduce complexity and increase efficiency.

🧠 Why Use OOP?

• Modularity: Code organized into objects makes it easier to manage.
• Reusability: Classes can be reused across programs.
• Scalability: Easier to build and maintain large software.
• Flexibility: Polymorphism and inheritance allow flexible and dynamic code.

🧩 Summary Table

• Concept What it Means Example
• Class Blueprint for objects class Car:
• Object Instance of a class my_car = Car()
• Encapsulation Hiding internal data Private variables
• Inheritance Child class inherits parent’s traits class Sedan(Car):
• Polymorphism Same method name, different behavior Method overriding
• Abstraction Hide complexity, show essentials Abstract classes/interfaces