Encapsulate

Enhanced Definition

In the mainframe context, **encapsulation** refers to the practice of bundling data with the methods or procedures that operate on that data, or more broadly, the act of containing and isolating specific functionality or data structures within a well-defined boundary. This promotes modularity, reusability, and information hiding, reducing complexity and interdependencies within z/OS applications. In the mainframe context, encapsulation refers to the practice of bundling data with the code that operates on that data, or restricting direct access to certain internal components of a program or module. It is a fundamental principle of modular design, promoting data hiding and information hiding to manage complexity and enhance maintainability.

Key Characteristics

- Information Hiding: Internal implementation details of an encapsulated component (e.g., a COBOL subroutine's logic, a JCL PROC's steps, or an object's private data) are hidden from external users, who interact only through a defined interface.
- Modularity: Encapsulation promotes breaking down complex systems into smaller, independent, and manageable units, each responsible for a specific task or set of data, improving system organization.
- Reusability: Encapsulated components, such as COBOL COPYBOOKs or JCL PROCs, can be easily reused across multiple programs or jobs without modification, promoting consistency and reducing development effort.
- Maintainability: Changes within an encapsulated unit typically do not affect other parts of the system, provided the external interface remains consistent, simplifying maintenance and upgrades.
- Data Integrity: By controlling access to data through defined methods or interfaces, encapsulation helps protect data from unauthorized or incorrect manipulation, ensuring its consistency and validity.