In object-oriented programming, what is a method?

A method is best understood as a function that is associated with an object in object-oriented programming (OOP). This association means that the method typically operates on the data contained within the object or performs actions that are relevant to the object itself. In OOP, objects are instances of classes, and methods define the behaviors that these objects can exhibit based on their data, allowing for encapsulation of functionality that is closely tied to the object’s state.

For instance, if you have a class called Car, methods might include start_engine() or accelerate(), which directly manipulate the attributes or properties of a specific Car object. This encapsulation allows for organized and modular code, enhancing reusability and maintainability, which are key principles of OOP.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of a method in OOP. A standalone function is independent and not tied to an object's context, while a property of a class refers specifically to the attributes or data fields that define the state of an object. Lastly, a type of variable does not encapsulate the behavior associated with objects but simply refers to the categorization of data that a variable can hold. Thus, option C clearly captures the essence of what a method is in