What is a data class in programming language and what are its advantages?

A data class is a special class designed for storing data without the need to write a lot of boilerplate code. In languages like Kotlin (commonly used in Android development), a data class automatically generates methods like equals(), hashCode(), toString(), as well as copy and destructuring functions.

Advantages of data classes:

• Reduces the amount of code since you don't need to manually implement standard methods.
• Improves code readability and maintainability.
• Convenient for working with immutable objects (if fields are declared as val).

Example of a data class in Kotlin:

data class User(val name: String, val age: Int)

val user1 = User("Ivan", 30)
println(user1) // User(name=Ivan, age=30)

val user2 = user1.copy(age = 31)

Thus, data classes simplify working with objects that serve as data containers.