Accessor Methods

Definition

Accessor methods, also known as getter methods, are a type of method in object-oriented programming that allows the retrieval of the value of an object's private data member. They provide read-only access to the internal state of an object.

Related terms

Getter Methods: Getter methods are a specific type of accessor method that retrieves the value of a specific attribute or property of an object.

Setter Methods: Setter methods, also known as mutator methods, allow modification or update to an object's private data members.

Encapsulation: Encapsulation is a principle in OOP that combines data and functions into a single unit called an object, where data is hidden from external access and can only be accessed through defined public interfaces (such as accessor and mutator methods).