What are encapsulation and abstraction in programming?

What are encapsulation and abstraction in programming?

Encapsulation is the bundling of data and methods that operate on that data within a single unit, like a class. Abstraction, on the other hand, is the concept of hiding complex implementation details and showing only the essential features of an object.

Why are they important in software development?

They help in reducing complexity, improving code maintainability, and enhancing security by restricting access to certain components.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! For encapsulation, think of a class that manages bank account details, where the balance is private. For abstraction, consider an interface for a payment system that defines methods like 'processPayment' without revealing the underlying payment logic.

How do they relate to object-oriented programming?

Both encapsulation and abstraction are fundamental principles of object-oriented programming, enabling better organization and modularity in code.