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Java

Posted by Aaron Kaye
Aaron Kaye
10,948 Points

Java variables vs getter methods (best practice)

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'

1 Answer

Kyle Salisbury
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Kyle Salisbury
Full Stack JavaScript Techdegree Student 16,363 Points

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

Aaron Kaye
Aaron Kaye
10,948 Points

Thanks Kyle, I really appreciate your feedback!