How do I use "getter" methods (for beginners)?

Question

When it comes to Java programming you'll stumble upon this along your way. Here is an elementary answer to help new programmer learn how to use a getter method without the terminology or complexity of people is this field.

*"How do I access a getter method?"* - `instanceOfObject.nameOfMethod()` (may require parameters depending on the method definations). — MadProgrammer, Jul 23 '15 at 00:35
*"How do I create two constant data fields?"* - `{public/protected/private} static final [type] [NAME] = [value]` — MadProgrammer, Jul 23 '15 at 00:35
You might like to have a read through [Classes and Objects](https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/java/javaOO/index.html) — MadProgrammer, Jul 23 '15 at 00:36
`YourClass instanceOfObject = new YourClass();` `YourClass` will probably want to be `public`. Have a look at the linked tutorials — MadProgrammer, Jul 23 '15 at 00:44

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 23 '15 at 00:50

By creating an accessor method (and not creating a mutator method).

public class MyClass {
  public MyClass(int v) {
    this.myField = v;
  }
  private int myField;
  public int getMyField() {
    return myField;
  }
}

Then you can call that "getter" in some other class with an instance of MyClass.

public class SomeOtherClass {
  public static void doSomething(MyClass my) {
    System.out.println(my.getMyField());
  }
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    doSomething(new MyClass(42)); // <-- for example.
  }
}

How do I use "getter" methods (for beginners)?

1 Answers1