Accessor Methods

Learn what an accessor method is and how to write one in Java.

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What is an accessor method?

An accessor method allows other objects to obtain the value of instance variables or static variables. It is a non-void method. A non-void method returns a single value. Its header includes the return type in place of the keyword void. For example:

  • A boolean method should return a variable of the boolean type.
  • An int method should return a variable of the int type.
  • A float method should return a variable of the float type.

In non-void methods, a return expression’s compatibility with the return type is evaluated, and a copy of that value is returned. This is referred to as return by value.

Explanation

Here is an example:

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