Access Modifiers in Java

What are Access Modifiers?

In Java, Access Modifiers are keywords that set the level of access for classes, methods, and variables. They ensure data security and proper encapsulation in Object-Oriented Programming (OOP).

Types of Access Modifiers

Public: Accessible from anywhere in the program.

Private: Accessible only within the same class.

Protected: Accessible within the same package and by subclasses.

Default (no modifier): Accessible only within the same package.

Advantages of Access Modifiers

Helps achieve encapsulation and data hiding, improves code maintainability and security, and controls the scope of methods and variables.

Limitations

Overuse of private can reduce code reusability, improper use may cause design complexity, and default access may create unintended package dependencies.

Example Code

class Example {
    public int publicVar = 10;
    private int privateVar = 20;
    protected int protectedVar = 30;
    int defaultVar = 40; // default access

    private void showPrivate() {
        System.out.println("Private Method");
    }
}
  

Best Practices

Use private for sensitive data and internal methods. Expose only necessary APIs as public. Use protected for inheritance needs. Avoid using default access unless package-level restriction is required.