Which programming method allows software external to an object to request methods performed within that object?

The correct answer is rooted in the principles of Object-oriented Programming (OOP), which is a paradigm that enables the design and implementation of software in a way that models real-world entities as objects. In OOP, objects contain both data and methods, allowing for the encapsulation of behavior and state.

In this context, the ability for external software to request methods from within an object is a fundamental aspect of how OOP operates. Specifically, objects expose their functionality through public methods, which can be accessed and invoked by other parts of the program or external systems, facilitating interaction and collaboration between different components.

Encapsulation is related but focuses primarily on the bundling of data and methods within an object while restricting direct access to some of the object's components. Inheritance allows one class to derive properties and behaviors from another, promoting reuse and establishing relationships between classes. Abstraction deals with hiding complex implementation details and exposing only the necessary components, but it does not directly address the external interaction with object methods.

Thus, the method that primarily allows software external to an object to interact with it by requesting the execution of its methods aligns with the core tenets of Object-oriented Programming.