Java is an object-oriented programming language because it is designed around the concept of objects. Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that focuses on creating objects that contain both data and behavior, and using these objects to build complex programs.
In Java, everything is an object. The language is designed to support the four fundamental principles of OOP: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction.
Encapsulation means that the internal workings of an object are hidden from the outside world, and can only be accessed through a public interface. In Java, this is achieved through the use of access modifiers like public, private, and protected, which control the visibility of a class’s fields and methods.
Inheritance allows classes to inherit the properties and behavior of other classes. This allows for code reuse and can help to simplify complex programs. In Java, inheritance is implemented using the extends keyword.
Polymorphism means that objects of different types can be used interchangeably, as long as they implement the same interface or inherit from the same parent class. This allows for more flexible and modular code. In Java, polymorphism is achieved through the use of interfaces and inheritance.
Abstraction means that complex systems can be simplified by hiding unnecessary details and exposing only the most important features. In Java, this is often done through the use of abstract classes and interfaces.
Overall, Java’s support for these fundamental principles of OOP makes it a powerful and flexible programming language that is well-suited for building complex software systems.
