An object is an instance of a class in object-oriented programming (OOP). It represents a specific entity created based on the blueprint (class) defined earlier. Objects contain both attributes (also known as properties or fields) and methods (functions or procedures) that define their behavior. For example, if you have a class Car, an object of that class might represent a specific car, such as a red Toyota with a specific model and speed.

Definition: An object is an instance of a class in OOP. It holds specific data (attributes) and can perform operations (methods) defined in its class.

Objects are the core building blocks of OOP, and they allow for encapsulation and interaction within a program. By using objects, developers can model real-world entities and create reusable, scalable code. Each object holds its own data and can perform tasks via the methods defined in its class. Objects can interact with each other, exchange data, and call methods to manipulate their state or achieve a particular functionality.

car1 = Car("Toyota", "Corolla")

In programming, objects make it easier to organize complex systems by grouping related data and behaviors together. This approach increases code readability and maintainability, especially in large applications. By using objects, developers can also take advantage of inheritance and polymorphism, further enhancing the flexibility and extendability of their code.