What is a class in OOP?

A class in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) effectively serves as a blueprint for creating objects. It encapsulates the data (attributes) and the functionalities (methods) that the created objects will possess. This means that when you define a class, you specify what properties the objects of that class will have and what actions they can perform. This design allows for modular code, reuse, and the ability to model real-world entities more effectively by representing their behaviors and characteristics within the software.

For instance, if you have a class named Car, you might define attributes such as color, model, and year, as well as methods like drive() and brake(). Each instance of the Car class can be created with specific values for those attributes, while still adhering to the structure and behavior defined by the class.

The other options mischaracterize the concept of a class. Instances pertain to objects created from a class rather than the class itself, and methods define behavior rather than focusing solely on data attributes. Additionally, defining a class to only encapsulate data attributes and exclude methods oversimplifies its fundamental purpose in OOP, which emphasizes the importance of combining data with behaviors.