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Access Modifiers in Java

Theory

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Access Modifiers in Java

Access modifiers control who can see a class member. private: only the same class. default (no word): same package. protected: package + subclasses. public: everywhere.

Start strict (private) and open only when needed. Making everything public “for speed” breaks encapsulation.

Recite narrow to wide — private → default → protected → public. That sentence alone clears most MCQs.

Let's take this on the board with one tiny Main class — no extra files. Access Modifiers in Java — secret is private; outside code uses a getter. Start from main, go line by line, and stop at each print. That output is the proof for Access Modifiers.

Exam tip

Narrow → wide: private, default, protected, public.

Example

// Same-file demo of access idea
class Box {
  private int secret = 7;
  int getSecret() { return secret; } // package/public API
}
public class Main {
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    System.out.println(new Box().getSecret());
  }
}

Access Modifiers in Java — secret is private; outside code uses a getter.

Short notes

DefAccess modifiers control who can see a member.
Ruleprivate = class. default = package. protected = package + child. public = all.
RememberStart private. Open only when needed.
TrapEverything public breaks encapsulation.

// Same-file demo of access idea class Box { private int secret = 7; int getSecret() { return secret; } // package/public API } public class Main { public static void main(String[] args) { System.out.println(new Box().getSecret()); } }

Access Modifiers in Java

Example

Short notes

Questions

Access Modifiers in Java

Example

Short notes

Questions