A self-contained unit in programming that combines data (attributes) and the functions (methods) that operate on that data. Objects represent real-world entities or concepts and form the foundation of object-oriented programming.
From Latin 'objectum' meaning 'something thrown before' or presented to the mind. Philosophical usage described things existing independently. In 1960s computing, it described discrete program entities that encapsulate both data and behavior, revolutionizing how programmers model real-world concepts.
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