What is a 'class' in object-oriented programming?

In object-oriented programming, a 'class' serves as a blueprint for creating objects, encapsulating data for the object and methods to manipulate that data. This concept allows developers to define the properties (attributes) and behaviors (methods) that the created objects will have. When an object is instantiated from a class, it inherits the structure and functionality described by that class, which facilitates code reuse and organization.

By using classes, programmers can model real-world entities and their interactions more efficiently, enabling clearer and more manageable code structures. This is foundational to the principles of encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism in object-oriented programming. Thus, the correct answer highlights the class's role as a blueprint, essential for designing and implementing objects in software development.