In programming, an object is a data structure that represents a real-world entity or concept. It consists of a set of properties (also called attributes or fields) and behaviors (also called methods or functions) that define the object and its characteristics. Objects are a key concept in object-oriented programming (OOP), a programming paradigm in which software is designed around the idea of objects that interact with each other. In OOP, objects are used to encapsulate data and behavior, allowing developers to create modular and reusable code.