What keyword is used to define a class in Python?

• A. def
• B. class
• C. function
• D. object

Answer: (B)

In Python, the keyword used to define a class is "class." This keyword introduces a new class definition and is essential for creating user-defined objects. When you write "class ClassName:", you are telling Python that you are defining a new class called ClassName.

The use of the "class" keyword is crucial because it encapsulates data and defines behaviors (methods) that belong to the created objects. This is a foundational concept in object-oriented programming, which promotes code organization and reuse through the structure of classes and objects.

Other options like "def" are used to define functions, but functions and classes serve different purposes. "function" as a term refers generally to a block of code that performs a specific task, while "object" is an instance of a class that contains data and can perform actions defined in its class. Thus, "class" is the correct choice for defining a class in Python.