Java: An Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming, 8th Edition

Chapter Summary

• Classes have instance variables to store data and method definitions that perform actions.

• Each class, instance variable, and method definition can be either public or private. Those that are public can be used or accessed anywhere. A private instance variable cannot be accessed by name outside of its class definition. However, it can be used within the definitions of methods in its class. A private method definition cannot be invoked outside of its class definition. However, it can be invoked within the definitions of methods in its class.

• Instance variables should be private, even though as a result, they cannot be referenced by name except within the definition of a method of the same class.

• Accessor methods return the value ...