The programming paradigm that focuses on the use of objects is known as object-oriented programming (OOP). In OOP, software is designed around the concept of objects that encapsulate data and behavior. This approach promotes reusability, modularity, and abstraction, allowing developers to model real-world entities more intuitively. Key principles of OOP include inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation, which help streamline complex system design and enhance code maintainability.