What are private and protected variables in programming?

Can you explain what private and protected variables are in programming?

Sure! Private variables are accessible only within the class they are declared in, while protected variables can be accessed in the class and its subclasses.

Can you give me an example of each?

Of course! In Python, a private variable is defined with a double underscore, like __private_var. A protected variable is defined with a single underscore, like _protected_var.

Why would I use protected variables instead of private ones?

Protected variables allow for inheritance, enabling subclasses to access and modify them, which is useful for extending functionality.

Are there any drawbacks to using protected variables?

Yes, using protected variables can lead to tighter coupling between classes, making your code less flexible and harder to maintain.