What does a class refer to in OOP?

In Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), a class serves as a blueprint for creating objects. It defines a set of attributes and methods that the objects created from the class will possess. By encapsulating data and behavior, a class allows for better organization and reuse of code. When an object is instantiated from a class, it inherits the properties and methods defined within that class, allowing programmers to model real-world entities and relationships effectively. This foundational concept of classes is critical in OOP, as it promotes modularity, encapsulation, and abstraction.

The concept of a class contrasts with specific functions, which are individual pieces of code that perform a task, rather than serving as a structure for creating multiple objects. Similarly, while errors in software are important to address, they don't directly relate to the idea of a class. Lastly, debugging tools are utilities used to identify and fix errors in code, but do not define the structure or functionality of classes in OOP. Thus, recognizing a class as a blueprint is essential for understanding the object-oriented approach to software development.