Description: A data member is a variable that is part of a class or structure in C++. These variables are fundamental for defining the state and characteristics of objects created from a class. Data members can be of different types, including primitive types like integers and floats, as well as more complex types like other classes or structures. Encapsulation, one of the fundamental principles of object-oriented programming, allows data members to be protected from unauthorized access, achieved through access modifiers like ‘private’, ‘protected’, and ‘public’. This ensures that data is manipulated only through specific methods, thus promoting data integrity and code modularity. Additionally, data members can be static, meaning they belong to the class itself rather than individual instances, allowing for shared information among all instances of the class. In summary, data members are essential for the structure and functionality of classes in C++, providing a means to effectively store and manage information within a program.
