What does the private access specifier in a class do?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the functionality of the private
access specifier in object-oriented programming, specifically within the context of a class. It aims to determine the scope of access granted to class members (variables, methods) declared as private.
Answer
The `private` access specifier restricts access to class members from outside the class itself.
The private
access specifier in a class restricts access to class members (variables, methods) from outside the class. Only code within the same class can access private
members.
Answer for screen readers
The private
access specifier in a class restricts access to class members (variables, methods) from outside the class. Only code within the same class can access private
members.
More Information
Access specifiers are a key part of encapsulation. They help in data hiding and protect the integrity of the class by preventing unintended modifications from external code.
Tips
A common mistake is trying to access private class members from outside the class -- such as from another class or from the main method. This will result in a compilation error.
Sources
- Access Modifiers in C++ - GeeksforGeeks - geeksforgeeks.org
- Access Modifiers (C# Programming Guide) - Microsoft Learn - learn.microsoft.com
- Access Modifiers in Java - GeeksforGeeks - geeksforgeeks.org
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