What is the Default Access Specifier in Java?

Question

What is the default access specifier in Java?

// Example class to demonstrate default access specifier
class MyClass {
    void display() {
        System.out.println("Default access specifier in action!");
    }
}

Answer

In Java, the default access specifier is package-private. This means that members (classes, methods, variables) without an explicit access modifier can only be accessed by other classes in the same package.

// Example of package-private access
class Test {
    void show() { // Default access, only accessible within the same package
        System.out.println("Hello, World!");
    }
}

Causes

  • The default access specifier is a way to restrict access to only those classes that are part of the same package.
  • It is used to enhance encapsulation by limiting visibility.

Solutions

  • To make a member accessible from any other package, explicitly declare it as public.
  • For those members that should only be visible in the same class, use private, and for access within the same package and subclasses, use protected.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Assuming that default access allows access from any class.

Solution: Remember that with default access, only classes within the same package can access the member.

Mistake: Confusing default access with private access.

Solution: Default access allows visibility within the package, while private restricts visibility to the defining class.

Helpers

  • Java default access specifier
  • Java access modifiers
  • Java package-private
  • Java visibility rules
  • Understanding Java access modifiers

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