java private protected

Java has four access modifiers for classes, methods, and variables:

1. Public: The public access modifier means that the class, method, or variable can be accessed from anywhere in the program.

2. Private: The private access modifier means that the class, method, or variable can only be accessed within the same class.

3. Protected: The protected access modifier means that the class, method, or variable can only be accessed within the same class, or by a subclass in a different package.

4. Default: If no access modifier is specified, the class, method, or variable has default access, which means it can only be accessed within the same package.

Private members can only be accessed within the same class. This means that any other class cannot access the private member, even if it is in the same package.

Protected members can be accessed within the same class, as well as by a subclass in a different package. This means that any class that extends the class with the protected member can access it.

In general, it is best practice to use the most restrictive access modifier that still allows the necessary access to the member. This helps to ensure that the code is secure and maintainable.