OOP stands for object-oriented programming, a relatively recent development in programming technology. In traditional
computer programs, the procedures (the programming commands) that get things done are separated from the data they work on. By contrast, object -oriented programs are put together from building blocks called
objects; each of these self-contained software modules includes all the commands and data needed to do a given set of tasks when it receives the right "messages." Because it is "encapsulated" in this way, an object can be reused as a unit in as many programs as needed. By design, OOP makes it easy to generate new objects that automatically "inherit" the capabilities of existing objects. The programmer can then modify a function or two or add some new ones, but she doesn't have to start from scratch.
