When should I use private access modifier in Java?

Can you explain when to use the private access modifier in Java?

The private access modifier in Java is used to restrict access to class members. You should use it when you want to encapsulate data and prevent external classes from accessing or modifying it directly.

Why is encapsulation important in Java?

Encapsulation is important because it helps protect the internal state of an object, reduces complexity, and increases maintainability by exposing only necessary parts of the class.

Can you give me an example of using private in a class?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

public class BankAccount {
    private double balance;

    public BankAccount(double initialBalance) {
        this.balance = initialBalance;
    }

    public void deposit(double amount) {
        if (amount > 0) {
            balance += amount;
        }
    }

    public double getBalance() {
        return balance;
    }
}

In this example, the balance variable is private, so it can't be accessed directly from outside the BankAccount class.

What happens if I don't use private?

If you don't use private, the class members can be accessed from outside the class, which can lead to unintended modifications and make your code less secure and harder to maintain.