Access Modifiers in Java

In Java, access modifiers are keywords that control the visibility and accessibility of classes, fields, methods, and other members within a class or package.

1. Public Access Modifier

The public access modifier makes members accessible from anywhere, whether inside or outside the class and in any package.

    public class PublicExample {
        public int publicField;
        
        public void publicMethod() {
            // Code here
        }
    }
    

2. Protected Access Modifier

The protected access modifier allows access within the same class, subclasses (even if they are in different packages), and classes within the same package.

    public class Parent {
        protected int protectedField;
    }
    
    public class Child extends Parent {
        void childMethod() {
            protectedField = 10; // Accessing protected field from subclass
        }
    }
    

3. Default (Package-Private) Access Modifier

The default access modifier, which is applied when no modifier is specified, restricts access to within the same package.

    class DefaultExample {
        int defaultField; // Default access modifier
        
        void defaultMethod() {
            // Code here
        }
    }
    

4. Private Access Modifier

The private access modifier restricts access to only within the same class. It is the most restrictive modifier.

    public class PrivateExample {
        private int privateField;
        
        private void privateMethod() {
            // Code here
        }
    }
    

Using these access modifiers appropriately helps in encapsulation and maintaining the integrity of your code.