Accessor

An accessor is a component or entity that provides a means to retrieve or modify data or properties within an object-oriented structure. In programming, it typically refers to methods (getters and setters) that control access to an object's attributes. Accessors are essential for encapsulation practices, ensuring that the state of an object is not directly manipulated but accessed through defined interfaces.

Accessor meaning with examples

In a class definition, the accessor methods allow other classes to obtain and change private attributes, enhancing data encapsulation. For instance, if you create a class named 'Car', the accessor methods could include 'getSpeed' and 'setSpeed', allowing controlled interaction with the car's speed attribute without exposing it directly.
When designing a user interface, you may implement an accessor to allow users to modify settings. For example, a feature-rich application might include an accessor for user preferences, enabling the application to safely retrieve or adjust user-configured options like theme, language, and notifications.
In Java, encapsulation is facilitated through accessor methods. These methods provide a consistent way to access and manipulate object data. For instance, a 'Person' class might encapsulate a private 'age' attribute, using 'getAge' as an accessor to return the current age of the person while maintaining control over direct modifications to the age.
In databases, accessors play a critical role in retrieving data. A well-designed database query method serves as an accessor, allowing developers to fetch specific records based on given parameters. For instance, a function could be implemented to access a user's profile information based on their unique identifier, guaranteeing efficient data retrieval.
When employing object-oriented programming principles, accessors are fundamental in ensuring that your code remains maintainable. For example, consider a 'Book' class with private properties— 'title' and 'author'. accessor methods like 'getTitle' and 'getAuthor' provide safe pathways to access these properties without exposing their internal structure directly.

Accessor Synonyms

administrator agent broker conduit controller curator delegate facilitator getter handler interface intermediary manager modifier operator overseer provider retriever supervisor supplier

Accessor Antonyms

barrier blocker denier disabler disruptor dissuader halt impeder impediment inhibitor interceptor obstacle obstacle obstructor opposer opposer preventer prohibitor restrictor stopper