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Im really new, and you're all probably laughing by now :D.
But, what is the point of the private access type in classes? Is that just there so YOU don't accidentally modify that, and the compiler gives you a kick upside the head if you do? What am I overlooking? Are they really that useless?
class Object {
private:
int safest;
protected:
int safe;
public:
int exposed;
};
class NewObject : public Object {
public:
void manipulate()
{
exposed = 12; //..fine...
safe = 2; //...fine. Derived classes can access "protected:"
safest = 6; //...cannot do! private to "Object" class...
}
};
int main()
{
Object ob;
ob.safest = 10;//...no way...
ob.safe = 12;//...nope
ob.exposed = 13; //...no problem
return 0;
};
Ok, so you knew all that, right? Just a refresher. The idea behind it all is "data-hiding". You can use it as a tool to remind yourself that you didn't want to be able to access a member of an objects class directly, (maybe there are butterfly effect implications) or similar reasons. In other realms of programming, this mechanism has helped software library authors control what goes in and out of a class instance, information-wise, providing a sort of controlled-component functionality. But there are many other possible reasons. The point is, unless it's necessary for you at the moment, don't bother. But when you DO need it, you'll be glad it there ;)