The mechanism that binds code and data together and protects them from direct…

Concept

In object-oriented programming, encapsulation groups state (data) and the methods that operate on that state within one unit, such as a class. It also controls direct access to the internal state through a defined interface.

Application

The stem describes both bundling code with data and restricting outside access. These are the two defining aspects of encapsulation, so the required term is Encapsulation.

Contrast

• Abstraction exposes essential features while hiding implementation complexity.

• Inheritance creates a derived class from an existing class so that state and behavior can be reused or extended.

• Encapsulation combines related state and behavior and controls access to the state.

• Polymorphism allows the same interface or operation to have different implementations for different object types.

Cross-check

If the stem asked only about exposing essential features, abstraction would fit; if it asked about deriving a class, inheritance would fit; and if it asked about one interface with multiple implementations, polymorphism would fit. The combined clues of bundling and access control identify encapsulation.

Result

Encapsulation.