Which of the following is an example of a programming paradigm?

Object-oriented programming is a prominent example of a programming paradigm, which is essentially a style or approach to programming that provides a framework for organizing and structuring code. In object-oriented programming, the core concepts revolve around the use of "objects." These objects represent real-world entities and encapsulate both data (attributes) and behaviors (methods or functions) that operate on that data. This method allows for more modular, reusable, and maintainable code because developers can create classes that serve as blueprints for the objects, promoting principles such as inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism.

The significance of this approach is particularly evident when developing complex software systems where relationships between data and functionalities can closely mirror real-world scenarios. By utilizing this paradigm, developers can design applications that are easier to extend and modify over time, making it a preferred choice in many programming environments.