What does OOP stand for in programming?

OOP stands for Object Oriented Programming, which is a programming paradigm based on the concept of "objects". Objects can contain data, in the form of fields (often known as attributes or properties), and code, in the form of procedures (often known as methods). This approach allows programmers to model real-world entities and their interactions in a more intuitive way, enhancing code reusability and making it easier to maintain and update software.

The principles of OOP include encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, which help in organizing complex programs into manageable sections. This paradigm contrasts with procedural programming, which is structured around procedures or functions. By understanding OOP, developers can create more structured and modular code, leading to improved software quality and faster development times.