What are two benefits of using classes over functions when writing applications?

When writing applications, using classes over functions offers several benefits, including improved readability and better code organization. Here are the detailed explanations for these two benefits:

Improved Readability (A):

Classes allow for encapsulation, which means grouping related data and functions (methods) together. This makes the code more readable and easier to understand because the related functionality is bundled in a single, self-contained unit.

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) principles such as inheritance and polymorphism further enhance readability by reducing code duplication and promoting code reuse.

Code Organization (E):

Classes provide a clear structure for organizing code. They help in logically grouping related functionalities, which enhances the modularity of the application. This organization makes it easier to manage and maintain the codebase, especially as the application grows in complexity.

By using classes, developers can create blueprints for objects, making it easier to implement and manage complex systems with multiple interconnected components.

Classes are fundamental to Object-Oriented Programming, which is a paradigm that many modern programming languages, including Python and Java, are built around. While functions are essential for specific tasks and operations, classes provide a higher level of abstraction and organization.

References:

Cisco DevNet Associate Certification Guide

Python Documentation - Classes

Java Documentation - Classes and Objects