Modifier

From Abap2Java

Abap

Java

A modifier allows to influence the accesibility of classes, constructors, fields and methods.

Modifier	Explanation
public	members are accessible from every class
protected	members are only accessible in derived classes
private	members are only accessible in defining class
none	Default modifier, members are only accessible within package

public class Test() {
     // accessible from everywhere
     public Test() { ... } 

     // accessible only within package
     int m1() { ... }      

     // accessible only in derived classes
     protected double m2;        

     // accessible only within class
     private int m1;        
}

Constructors will be defined as public most of the time, however when using a singleton pattern the modifier private is recommended.

Members fields should be declared as private or if needed in derived classes as protected. public member fields infringe the object oriented concept of encapsulation.

See also
public, protected, private, static, final, abstract