The programming paradigm that emphasizes the use of objects and classes is known as object-oriented programming (OOP). In this paradigm, software design is based on the concept of "objects," which represent real-world entities with attributes and behaviors. OOP promotes principles such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, enhancing code reusability and maintainability. Popular programming languages like Java, C++, and Python support OOP, allowing developers to create modular and organized code structures that are easier to manage and extend.