What are access specifiers in C++?

In this chapter of C++ interview questions, we will learn about:

• what are access specifiers in c++
• types of access specifiers in c++
• examples of access specifiers in c++

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Use of access specifiers in C++

Data Hiding is an important aspect of Object-Oriented Programming.

 

In C++ access specifiers are used to facilitate this feature. Access specifiers are used to provide certain level of permission to access data in class members.

 

Types of Access Specifiers

i) Private: Private members of a class are accessible only from within other members of the same class or from 'friends'.

 

ii) Protected: It is some similarity with a private access specifier. The difference it can be accessed from a derived class or friend class/ child class.

 

iii) Public: Public members are accessible from anywhere, it is accessed through access operator(.) with the object of the class.

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Examples of access specifiers in c++(Public & Private)

class TIH {
  public:  // Public access specifier
    int a;  
  private:  // Private access specifier
    int b; 
};

int main() {
  TIH obj; //Object created
  obj.a = 22;  // Allowed (public) accessed through (.) opeartor
  obj.b = 43;  // Not allowed (private)
  return 0;
}

Output

error obj.b=43 // Not allowed

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Examples of access specifiers in c++ (Protected)

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;
 
class A {
   protected:
      int x;
};
 
class B:A { // B is the derived class.
   public:
      void setting( int x1 );
      int getting( void );
};
 
// Member functions of child class
int B::getting(void) {
   return x ;
}
 
void B::setting( int x1) {
   x = x1;
}
 

int main() {
   B b1;
 
   
   b1.setting(10);
   cout << "Value is : "<< b1.getting() << endl;
 
   return 0;
}

Output

Value is : 10