What is the private access modifier in Java?
Overview
The private access modifier is an access modifier that can be used for classes, fields, methods, and constructors. The private access modifier is the most restrictive. Private members can only be accessed within the same class.
Syntax and example
class PrivateModifierExample {// fieldsprivate int field1;// constructorprivate ClassName() {// body of constructor}// methodsprivate void method1() {// body of method}}
Explanataion
-
Line 1: We have a class called
PrivateModifierExample. -
Line 3: This class has a field called
fieldwhich is a private member, and can only be accessed within the class. -
Line 11: This class has a method called
methodwhich is a private member, and can only be accessed within the class.
Note: Remember to also use the private access modifier on static fields and methods. When you do this, the members can only be accessed within the same class.
Usage
- The private access modifier can be applied to fields, methods, and constructors.
- Private fields can only be accessed within the same class.
- Private methods can only be accessed within the same class.
- Private constructors cannot be accessed from outside the class.
Advantages
- It provides encapsulation.
- It helps in hiding the implementation details of a class.
- It makes the code more flexible and maintainable.
- It helps in reducing the complexity of the code.
- It increases security, as private members cannot be accessed from outside the class.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of using the private access modifier is that it cannot be accessed from outside the class.
