Classes and Encapsulation: Principles of Modular Programming

This lecture introduces the concepts of classes, encapsulation, and abstraction in the context of modular programming. It begins by discussing the objectives of modular programming and how classes fulfill these objectives. The instructor emphasizes the importance of encapsulation, explaining how it restricts access to certain elements of a class to ensure reliability and maintainability. The differences between structures and classes are highlighted, particularly focusing on access levels and the implications of public and private attributes. The lecture also covers best practices for defining classes, including the use of methods to manipulate private attributes, and the significance of maintaining a clear interface. The instructor provides examples to illustrate the correct implementation of encapsulation and the potential pitfalls of improper access control. By the end of the lecture, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use classes in C++ to create reliable and maintainable code.