What is an object in object-oriented programming (OOP)?

In object-oriented programming (OOP), an object is fundamentally defined as an instance of a class that encapsulates both data and the methods that operate on that data. This encapsulation is a key principle of OOP, allowing for a structured and modular approach to programming. The data within an object can represent various attributes or properties of the object, while the methods define the behaviors that can be performed on or by that object.

When you create an object from a class, you are creating an actual entity that can hold specific values and allows for interaction through its methods. This concept is pivotal because it promotes code reusability and abstraction — each class serves as a template, allowing you to create multiple objects with similar characteristics while still retaining their unique states.

The other options describe different concepts related to programming but do not capture the essence of an object in OOP. For instance, a collection of methods and functions refers more to the operations that could be included in a class rather than the instance itself. A blueprint for creating classes signifies class definitions without addressing the instantiated versions of those classes. Lastly, a variable that stores data is a more general programming concept, applicable to various types of data, not specifically linked to OOP principles like encapsulation and instance creation