ACCESS SPECIFIER Meaning and
Definition
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An access specifier, in object-oriented programming, is a keyword or modifier that is used to define the level of accessibility or visibility of class members (such as variables and methods) within a program. It determines whether these members can be accessed by other classes or objects in the program.
Access specifiers are an essential component of encapsulation, which is one of the key principles of object-oriented programming. They help in controlling the interaction and data flow between different classes or objects, thereby ensuring data privacy, security, and code maintainability.
There are typically four types of access specifiers that are commonly used in programming languages such as Java, C++, and C#:
1. Public: Members with this access specifier are accessible by any class or object in the program, including those outside the class hierarchy.
2. Private: This access specifier restricts the accessibility of members only to the class that declares them. Other classes cannot directly access private members.
3. Protected: Members declared with this access specifier are accessible within the class that declares them, as well as within any subclass derived from that class. However, they are not directly accessible outside of the class hierarchy.
4. Default (also known as package-private): This access specifier allows members to be accessed within the same package. It is not applicable to members declared within interfaces.
By using access specifiers effectively, programmers can control the visibility of class members and establish appropriate levels of encapsulation, which contributes to writing more modular, secure, and flexible code.
Etymology of ACCESS SPECIFIER
The term "access specifier" is derived from the words "access" and "specifier".
- "Access" originates from the Latin word "accessus", which means "a coming or approach". It entered the English language in the 14th century, referring to the act of reaching or obtaining something.
- "Specifier" is derived from the Latin word "specificare", which means "to mark out, designate". It entered English in the 17th century, referring to a person or thing that specifies or indicates something.
When used together in the context of programming, "access specifier" refers to a language construct that specifies the accessibility or visibility of class members (variables, methods, etc.) for other code segments. It indicates the level of access or restriction imposed on those members.
The term "access specifier" is specifically related to programming languages and is often used in object-oriented programming such as C++, Java, and C#.
