How to Create a Kotlin Property with a Private Getter and a Public Setter?

Question

How can I define a Kotlin property that has a private getter while allowing a public setter?

var status: String = "" 
    private set()

Answer

In Kotlin, you can achieve a private getter and a public setter by utilizing a backing field. A property can have its getter and setter visibility adjusted, but the visibility of the getter cannot be more restrictive than the property itself. To accomplish the requirement of having a private getter and a public setter, we will use a custom getter and setter on the property. Below, I’ll explain how to do this step-by-step.

class MyClass {
    var status: String = ""
        private set
    // Public setter
    fun setStatus(value: String) {
        status = value
    }
}

Causes

  • Kotlin properties enforce visibility rules which state that the getter cannot be less visible than the property itself.
  • The default generated getter and setter for a property have the same visibility level as the property.

Solutions

  • Define a property with a custom visibility for the setter while providing a private setter within its declaration.
  • Use a backing property that allows the getter to remain private and the setter to be public.

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Attempting to declare a property with a private getter directly which causes visibility errors.

Solution: Use a private backing field or a method for getting while maintaining the public setter.

Mistake: Not recognizing that the Kotlin generated getter cannot be more private than the property itself.

Solution: Use a custom method or logic that ensures the property can still be modified if required.

Helpers

  • Kotlin private getter public setter
  • Kotlin property visibility
  • Kotlin Java interoperability
  • Kotlin property handling
  • Kotlin getter and setter example

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