What is the difference between encapsulation and abstraction?

Can you explain the difference between encapsulation and abstraction in programming?

Sure! Encapsulation is about bundling data and methods that operate on that data within a single unit, like a class. It restricts direct access to some of the object's components, which is a way to protect the integrity of the data.

And what about abstraction?

Abstraction, on the other hand, is about hiding the complex reality while exposing only the necessary parts. It allows a programmer to focus on interactions at a higher level without needing to understand all the details.

Can you give me an example of each?

Of course! For encapsulation, think of a class in Java that has private variables and public methods to access them. For abstraction, consider an interface in Java that defines methods without implementing them, allowing different classes to provide their own implementations.

So, encapsulation is about data protection and abstraction is about simplifying complexity?

Exactly! Encapsulation protects the data, while abstraction simplifies the interface for the user.