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Java

Posted by Harry Jones
Harry Jones
2,964 Points

Using "m" for member fields.

Hello again,

So watching the video and taking the quiz, it seems like this is a pretty big thing. But while I understand WHAT it is, I don't see why it's important to have. Could someone clarify?

Thanks in advance, Harry.

1 Answer

Steve Hunter
Steve Hunter
57,712 Points

It isn't hugely important but it does make code clearer to read.

Take, for example, a constructor for a class with a member variable:

public class UseAnM {

  private String mExample;

  public UseAnM(String example) {
     mExample = example;
  }

Which is fine, but if you don't use the 'm' prefix, the constructor would have the line example = example; in it, which is confusing. You could probably elaborate with self.example = example; but I get that's not the point.

I hope that makes some sense ... I'm no expert!

Steve.

Harry Jones
Harry Jones
2,964 Points

Alright, thanks.