getValue

GetValue is a common term in software development used to denote a function or method that returns a value from a data source, object, or container. As a noun or verb, it describes the action of retrieving the current contents without altering them. In object-oriented code, getValue often refers to an accessor or getter: a public method that exposes a private field to external code while preserving encapsulation.

Beyond simple fields, getValue may be used with data structures and containers to fetch the stored element identified by a key or index. In functional-style code or libraries for option-like types, getValue returns the inner value if present, sometimes with error or fallback behavior when it is absent.

Language examples:

- Java: public V getValue() { return value; }

- JavaScript: function getValue(obj, key) { return obj[key]; }

- Kotlin: getValue is used in property delegation via the operator function getValue, enabling delegated properties.

Variations: some APIs prefer direct access or property syntax rather than a named getValue method; others provide explicit error handling when the value is missing (for example, Optional.get or Maybe.unwrap).

Considerations: overuse of getValue can indicate leaking implementation details through getters; nullability and absent-value handling are common sources of runtime errors.

See also: getter, accessor, property, delegation, optional type, value retrieval.