What does the data encapsulated within an object in programming represent?

The correct response emphasizes that the data encapsulated within an object in programming embodies both information (or attributes) and the operations (or methods) associated with that information. In object-oriented programming, an object serves as an instance of a class, where the class defines the structure and behavior.

When data is encapsulated in an object, it typically includes variables that hold state information, which represent the properties of the object. Along with this data, methods belonging to the object can manipulate or operate on this data, ensuring that the object's internal state changes only through its defined behaviors. This encapsulation aligns with fundamental principles of object-oriented design, promoting a clear structure where data and functions are closely linked, enhancing code reusability and modularity.

The other options do not encapsulate the complete essence of what an object represents. Functions alone do not capture the data aspect, global variables are not directly linked to the object-oriented paradigm, and external library dependencies pertain to additional functionalities rather than the intrinsic characteristics of an object itself. This reinforces the idea that an object is much more than just a collection of functions or variables; it is a self-contained unit of both state and behavior.