Difference Between Encapsulation and Abstraction?

Encapsulation

• Encapsulation is about hiding data and protecting it from outside access.
• It bundles data and methods into a single unit (e.g., a class).
• Achieved using access modifiers like private, protected, etc.
• Controls how data is accessed or modified.

class Person {
    private int age; // hidden data

    public void SetAge(int value) { // controlled access
        if (value >= 0) age = value;
    }
}
    

Abstraction

• Abstraction is about hiding complexity and showing only essential features.
• Lets you focus on what something does rather than how it works.
• Achieved using abstract classes and interfaces.

abstract class Animal {
    public abstract void MakeSound(); // only essential behavior shown
}
    

Summary

Encapsulation	Abstraction
Hides internal data	Hides implementation complexity
Protects the data	Simplifies the design

Encapsulation = hiding data
Abstraction = hiding complexity