RE: Java Style Question

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I do prefer use getter and setter inside the class too. I can then ensure
validity
checking. We might be several people modifying the same class in a team. We
have
to make sure that a variable is assigned correctly. The only way to make
sure
it is assigned correctly is to use the setter.

In the future you may have to assign a validity checking in your code. If
you have not
used the setters, but set the variables directly you will have to check all
your code !

I have extended that to the class/subclass problem. I never declare a
variable as protected,
but always as private. The subclass access it through getter and setter. I
think that the
consistency of the variables must be ensured at the class level.
(NB: this is the way it is done in Smalltalk too).

Hope this help

Gilles

-----Original Message-----
From: Eyers, Daniel [mailto:daniel.eyers@honeywell.com]
Sent: lundi, 8. avril 2002 19:43
To: 'java400-l@midrange.com'
Subject: Java Style Question



Something I've been thinking about....

For a class that has instance variables, I tend to use private variables and
getter/setter methods for access. In the
class itself, however, I'm wondering which makes sense, to use the
getter/setters within the class itself, *or* to
access the variables directly.  I guess I'm sort of torn because I can make
a case for each method.  Obviously, using
the getter/setters creates additional overhead *but* using them within the
class seems to be more roboust.

Additionally, I tend to consider creating a generic method to add a certain
functionality, then create methods that
overload by adding (or removing) parameters.

Here what I mean....

Let's say I have a right justification method (much like Aaron's, actually
;-) )  and for a certain type of data,   the
data is expected to be 8 characters.  So.....

<code>
public String rightJustify(String s, int length) {
        (insert your favorite code here)
}
</code>

and then

<code>
public String rightJustify(String s) {
        return rightJustify(s,8);
}
</code>

Any comments on either technique would be welcome...  I'd like to some
different points of view to help me decide the
merits of these techniques....

thanks

dan
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