In object-oriented programming, what is a class?

A class is fundamentally a blueprint from which objects are created in object-oriented programming (OOP). It defines the properties and behaviors that the objects created from the class will have. This means that a class encapsulates data for the object (attributes or properties) and functions to manipulate that data (methods).

When a class is defined, it sets up a structure that outlines what attributes and behaviors the objects of that class will possess. For example, if you have a class called "Car," it might include attributes like color, model, and speed, and methods like accelerate and brake. Once the class is defined, you can create multiple instances or objects of that class, each having their own unique attribute values while sharing the same structure and behavior defined by the class.

In contrast to the other options, a variable is simply a storage location for data, and it does not convey the structured behaviors and properties like a class does. A collection of functions alone does not capture the attributes and encapsulation that a class provides. Lastly, a visual representation of data is more indicative of how data might be presented, rather than the encapsulation of data and behaviors that a class brings in OOP. Therefore, identifying a class as a blueprint emphasizes its role in creating and