In object-oriented programming, what is a class?

In object-oriented programming, a class serves as a blueprint for creating objects. It combines data attributes (often called properties or fields) and methods (functions or procedures) that act on that data into a single unit. This encapsulation allows developers to model real-world entities by defining characteristics and behaviors that those entities possess.

When you instantiate a class, you create an object that has its own state defined by the attributes of the class and behavior defined by its methods. This structure enhances code reusability and organization, as multiple objects can be created from the same class template, each potentially with different data values but sharing the same underlying functionality.

The other options presented do not define a class within the context of object-oriented programming. While they refer to important concepts in programming—such as sequential code execution, variable management, or exception handling—they do not capture the essence of what a class is and its role in creating organized, encapsulated structures that represent both data and behavior in software design.