What is encapsulation in C++ OOP?

What is encapsulation in C++ OOP?

Encapsulation is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming that restricts access to certain components of an object. In C++, it allows you to bundle data and methods that operate on that data within a class, controlling access through public and private access specifiers.

Can you give me an example of encapsulation in C++?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class BankAccount {
private:
    double balance;
public:
    BankAccount() : balance(0) {}
    void deposit(double amount) {
        balance += amount;
    }
    double getBalance() const {
        return balance;
    }
};

In this example, the balance variable is private, so it can't be accessed directly from outside the class. Instead, you use the deposit and getBalance methods to interact with it.

Why is encapsulation important?

Encapsulation is important because it helps protect the internal state of an object from unintended interference and misuse. It promotes modularity, making code easier to maintain and understand, and allows for better control over how data is accessed and modified.

What are the other pillars of OOP?

The other pillars of object-oriented programming are inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction. Each of these concepts plays a crucial role in designing robust and reusable code.