What is the difference between abstraction and encapsulation in programming?

What is the difference between abstraction and encapsulation in programming?

Abstraction is the concept of hiding complex realities while exposing only the necessary parts. Encapsulation, on the other hand, is about bundling the data and methods that operate on that data within one unit, like a class.

Can you give me an example of abstraction?

Sure! In a car, the driver uses the steering wheel to control the vehicle without needing to understand the complex mechanics of how the engine works. This is abstraction.

And what about encapsulation? Can you explain that with an example?

Absolutely! In a class in programming, encapsulation is when you have private variables that cannot be accessed directly from outside the class. Instead, you provide public methods to access and modify those variables.

Why are these concepts important in software development?

They help in managing complexity, improving code maintainability, and enhancing security by restricting access to certain parts of the code.