Difference Between Public, Private, and Protected Access Modifiers in Java

📚 Understanding Access Modifiers in Java

In Java, access modifiers are keywords that determine the accessibility or visibility of classes, methods, and variables. They control from where these elements can be accessed. The three main access modifiers are public, private, and protected.

🔑 Definition of Public

The public access modifier allows a class, method, or variable to be accessed from anywhere. It has the widest scope of all access modifiers.

• 🌍 Accessible from within the same class.
• 🏘️ Accessible from within the same package.
• 📦 Accessible from subclasses (regardless of package).
• 🌐 Accessible from any other class (regardless of package).

🔒 Definition of Private

The private access modifier restricts the access of a class, method, or variable to only within the same class. It offers the highest level of encapsulation.

• 🔑 Accessible only from within the same class.
• 🚫 Not accessible from within the same package.
• ❌ Not accessible from subclasses (regardless of package).
• ⛔ Not accessible from any other class (regardless of package).

🛡️ Definition of Protected

The protected access modifier allows access within the same class, the same package, and by subclasses, even if they are in a different package. It provides a balance between public and private.

• ✅ Accessible from within the same class.
• 🏘️ Accessible from within the same package.
• 👪 Accessible from subclasses (regardless of package).
• 🚧 Not accessible from non-subclasses in a different package.

📊 Comparison Table of Access Modifiers

💡 Key Takeaways

• 🎯 public: Use for elements that need to be universally accessible.
• 🛡️ private: Use for data hiding and encapsulation.
• 🤝 protected: Use for inheritance and package-level access.
• 🔑 Choosing the right access modifier is crucial for maintaining code integrity and security.