What does encapsulation in software development emphasize?

Encapsulation in software development primarily emphasizes the enforcement of data and code hiding. This principle is a foundational concept in object-oriented programming, where it ensures that the internal state of an object is protected from unintended interference and misuse from outside the object's interface. By restricting access to the internal workings of a class, encapsulation helps in maintaining a clear separation between the object's public interface and its internal implementation details. This not only enhances data integrity but also promotes modular design, making it easier to implement changes and improvements without affecting other parts of the system.

Encapsulation assists developers in creating more robust and maintainable code by allowing them to expose only the necessary parts of an object while keeping the rest hidden. This helps in preventing accidental modifications and potential bugs that can arise from external interference, thus leading to safer and more reliable software development.