Java variables vs getter methods (best practice)

Question

My question came from the Java Data Structures class (Overriding an inherited method) although it is a generic question. I know both of the following would work, but I am wondering which would be 'Best Practice' (assuming the appropriate variables and methods already existed).

    @Override
    public String toString() {
      return "BlogPost: " + getTitle() + " by " + getAuthor();
    }

So the above method uses the objects getter methods to return the instance variables vs:

    @Override
    public String toString() {
      return "BlogPost: " + mTitle + " by " + mAuthor;
    }

As I said, I know both would work with the appropriate variables and methods in place but I am wondering if one is considered 'Best Practice'

Answer 1 · 2015-06-22T23:46:59Z

June 22, 2015 11:46pm

I've always been taught to avoid using member variables when possible. Not sure why though. As you said, both work.

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Aaron Kaye

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Java variables vs getter methods (best practice)

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Kyle Salisbury

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Aaron Kaye

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