Private Access Modifier in AP Computer Science A

Definition

The private access modifier is used in object-oriented programming to restrict the visibility of a variable or method within a class. It means that the variable or method can only be accessed and modified from within the same class.

Related terms

Encapsulation:

Encapsulation is an object-oriented programming concept that combines data and methods into a single unit called an object. Private access modifiers are often used to implement encapsulation by hiding internal details of an object.

Getter Method:

A getter method, also known as an accessor method, is a public method used to retrieve the value of a private variable. It allows controlled access to private variables by providing read-only access to them.

Setter Method: A setter method, also known as a mutator method, is a public method used to modify the value of a private variable. It allows controlled modification of private variables by providing write-only access to them.