Which programming paradigm is characterized by the use of objects?

The programming paradigm characterized by the use of objects is object-oriented programming. This approach emphasizes the concept of "objects," which are instances of classes. Each object can contain data, in the form of fields (often referred to as attributes), and code, in the form of procedures (often referred to as methods). This encapsulation of data and behavior within objects allows for better organization of code, reusability, and easier maintenance.

In object-oriented programming, concepts such as inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism are fundamental. Inheritance facilitates the creation of new classes based on existing ones, allowing for shared functionality and reducing redundancy in code. Encapsulation helps protect the internal state of an object and only exposes certain functionalities, leading to better control over how data is accessed and modified. Polymorphism enables methods to do different things based on the object it is acting upon, enhancing flexibility in programming.

This paradigm is widely used in many programming languages, such as Java, C++, and Python, making it an essential concept for programmers to understand when building complex software systems.