Difference between protected and default/package access in Java


Protected vs default access control

Differences between the protected and the default/package-private access.

Quick overview, this is a typical interview question.

In short:

  • the protected access has a modifier (keyword): protected
  • the default access doesn't have any modifier.
  • the default access doesn't allow access outside of the package

The complete details (Java Language Specification 11)

JLS: Access Control

JLS:protected



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