C++ Encapsulation

Encapsulation is an object-oriented programming concept in C++ that combines data (attributes) and methods (functions) into a single unit called a class. It also restricts direct access to some of the object’s components using access specifiers, which helps protect data integrity and improves code maintainability.

Key Points of Encapsulation

Encapsulation is achieved by making data members private and providing public getter and setter functions.
It improves data security and ensures controlled access to object properties.
Encapsulation is a fundamental principle of object-oriented programming.

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Data members of a class are usually declared private to hide them from outside access.
Public member functions (getters and setters) are used to access and modify private data safely.
Encapsulation ensures data hiding and prevents accidental modification of sensitive data.

Example: Encapsulation in C++

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

class BankAccount {
private:
    double balance; // Private data member

public:
    // Setter to deposit or set balance
    void setBalance(double b) {
        if(b >= 0)
            balance = b;
        else
            cout << "Invalid balance!" << endl;
    }

    // Getter to access balance
    double getBalance() {
        return balance;
    }
};

int main() {

    BankAccount account;
    account.setBalance(1000.50);   // Set balance using setter
    cout << "Current Balance: $" << account.getBalance() << endl;

    account.setBalance(-500);      // Invalid attempt
    cout << "Balance after invalid attempt: $" << account.getBalance() << endl;

    return 0;
}

Output

Current Balance: $1000.5
Invalid balance!
Balance after invalid attempt: $1000.5

Important Notes

Encapsulation is achieved by making data members private and providing public getter and setter functions.
It improves data security and ensures controlled access to object properties.
Encapsulation is a fundamental principle of object-oriented programming.

Next Topic

Next, learn about Inheritance in C++.