Encapsulation in Java
May 1, 2017
Categorised in: Java Core
What is Encapsulation?
- Packaging complex code or functions for ease of programming.
- Putting all code in static main is not good programming. You need to break the code according to logic.
- Encapsulation provides restriction over parts of code via public, private, & protected.
- These parts of code would hide complex code.
- A programmer skilled in particular area of Java can code that part and provide interface to use by other developers.
- In regards of data, encapsulation may involve hiding of data.
Example of Encapsulation in Real World
- Take a washing machine. You need to be able to operate the washing machine.
- If you were given knowledge of how circuit inside the machine worked or how the blades rotated, it would be difficult to get started.
- So, encapsulated washing machine will only provide knowledge and usability of the functions required to make washing machine work.
- This is done with the help of buttons, and manual about their usage.
Encapsulation in Java
- Take the part of code and put it into its own class
public class WashingMachineButtons {
private Button _button;
private int _timer;
public void SetTimer(int TimerCount, Button _button) {
this._timer = TimerCount;
//.....
}
public void GetTimeLeft() {
//......
}
}
- The logic for GetTimeLeft can be in different method too.
- This reduces the code in main block.
- This is Object Oriented Programming.
Advantages
- Breaking functionality into small, maintainable units.
- Grouping functions and data together.
- Easier to fix bugs and test the application.
- This makes unit testing possible where only specific class or methods are tested.
Pratik Kataria is currently learning Springboot and Hibernate.
Technologies known and worked on: C/C++, Java, Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, WordPress, Angular, Ionic, MongoDB, SQL and Android.
Softwares known and worked on: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe After Effects.