What is encapsulation in C programming?

What is encapsulation in C programming?

Encapsulation is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming that restricts access to certain components of an object. In C, it can be achieved using structures and functions to hide the internal state of an object.

Can you give me an example of encapsulation in C?

Sure! Here's a simple example: You can define a structure to represent a 'BankAccount' and use functions to access and modify its balance, ensuring that the balance cannot be directly accessed from outside the structure.

Why is encapsulation important?

Encapsulation is important because it helps to protect the integrity of the data, reduces complexity, and increases code maintainability by hiding implementation details.

How does encapsulation differ from abstraction?

Encapsulation focuses on hiding the internal state and requiring all interaction to be performed through an object's methods, while abstraction is about simplifying complex systems by modeling classes based on essential properties and behaviors.