What is a class in object-oriented programming?

In object-oriented programming, a class serves as a blueprint for creating objects. It defines the properties (attributes) and behaviors (methods) that the objects instantiated from the class will have. By establishing a structure for the objects, a class encapsulates both data and functions that operate on that data, promoting modularity and reusability of code.

When you create a class, you essentially lay down the rules and characteristics that each object of that class will inherit. For example, if you define a class Car, you may specify attributes such as color, make, and model, as well as methods like drive() or stop(). When you create an instance of Car, you are generating an object that embodies these defined characteristics, constructed according to the class blueprint. This relationship between classes and objects is fundamental to object-oriented programming, ensuring that code is organized and easy to manage.

The other options reflect different concepts within programming. An instance of an object refers to a specific realization of the class, not the class itself. A type of variable indicates data types rather than the structural framework provided by classes. A method performs operations but does not encapsulate the attributes that a class defines. Thus, the distinctive role of a class