What is encapsulation in Java and why is it important?

What is encapsulation in Java and why is it important?

Encapsulation in Java is a fundamental OOP concept that restricts direct access to some of an object's components. It helps in protecting the object's state and ensures that the data is accessed only through well-defined interfaces.

Can you give me an example of encapsulation in Java?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class Person {
    private String name;
    private int age;

    public String getName() {
        return name;
    }

    public void setName(String name) {
        this.name = name;
    }

    public int getAge() {
        return age;
    }

    public void setAge(int age) {
        if (age > 0) {
            this.age = age;
        }
    }
}

In this example, the name and age fields are private, and can only be accessed through public getter and setter methods.

What are the benefits of using encapsulation?

The benefits of encapsulation include improved data security, easier maintenance, and the ability to change the internal implementation without affecting external code that uses the class.

How does encapsulation relate to other OOP principles?

Encapsulation works closely with other OOP principles like inheritance and polymorphism. It helps in creating a clear interface for classes, making it easier to manage and extend code.