Description: Getters and Setters are methods used in object-oriented programming, especially in languages like Java, C++, and Python, to access and modify the private attributes of a class. These methods allow encapsulation of data access, thereby promoting security and integrity of information. A ‘Getter’ is a method that returns the value of a private attribute, while a ‘Setter’ allows setting or modifying the value of that attribute. This practice is fundamental to maintaining the principle of encapsulation, which is one of the pillars of object-oriented programming. By using Getters and Setters, developers can implement additional logic, such as validations or transformations, before data is read or written. This not only improves the robustness of the code but also facilitates maintenance and evolution of the software, as any changes in how data is handled can be made in one place without affecting other parts of the program. In summary, Getters and Setters are essential tools that allow finer control over access to a class’s attributes, ensuring that business rules are followed and the object’s state remains consistent.
Uses: Getters and Setters are primarily used in object-oriented programming to control access to a class’s attributes. They allow developers to apply validation logic before modifying attribute values, helping to maintain data integrity. Additionally, they facilitate the implementation of changes in data structure without affecting other parts of the code, which is crucial in large and complex projects.
Examples: A practical example would be a ‘Person’ class that has a private attribute ‘age’. The ‘Getter’ could be a method called ‘getAge()’ that returns the value of ‘age’, while the ‘Setter’ could be ‘setAge(int newAge)’, which validates that ‘newAge’ is a positive number before assigning it to ‘age’.
