Encapsulation is a key concept in object-oriented programming (OOP). It involves bundling data (attributes) and methods (functions) that operate on that data within a class, creating a protective barrier. This prevents direct access to the data from outside the class, ensuring data integrity and control. Think of it like a capsule containing medicine – the data and methods are hidden inside, accessible only through defined methods. For example, a 'Human' class might encapsulate attributes like name, location, and favorite actor, along with methods for accessing or modifying these attributes. This protects the data from accidental or unauthorized changes.