What is a key characteristic of object-oriented programming?

A key characteristic of object-oriented programming (OOP) is that data and behavior are encapsulated together within objects. This means that in OOP, not only can objects hold data (attributes), but they also can define functions (methods) that operate on that data. This association allows for a more modular structure, where the behavior is directly linked to the data it manipulates, promoting encapsulation and reusability.

The advantage of this approach is that it models real-world entities more effectively, as each object can represent a distinct item or concept, including both its properties and the actions that can be performed on it. This principle is foundational to OOP and fosters better organization and management of code, making it easier to maintain and understand.

In contrast, other options present different programming paradigms or characteristics that do not align with the principles of OOP. Therefore, recognizing that in object-oriented programming, the integration of data and behavior within objects is crucial for its functionality and benefits is essential.