What are access modifiers in C++?

What are access modifiers in C++?

Access modifiers in C++ are keywords that set the accessibility of classes, methods, and other members. The three main types are public, private, and protected.

Can you give me an example of each access modifier?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

1. Public: Members declared as public can be accessed from anywhere.

   class MyClass {
   public:
       int publicVar;
   };
   

2. Private: Members declared as private can only be accessed within the class itself.

   class MyClass {
   private:
       int privateVar;
   };
   

3. Protected: Members declared as protected can be accessed within the class and by derived classes.

   class MyClass {
   protected:
       int protectedVar;
   };
   

What happens if I don't use any access modifier?

If you don't specify an access modifier, the default access level for class members is private. For struct members, it's public by default.

Why is it important to use access modifiers?

Access modifiers are important for encapsulation, which helps protect the internal state of an object and restricts access to its members, promoting better code organization and security.