getset

Getset, in software development, is an informal shorthand for the pair of accessor methods used to read and write the value of an object's field. The get method returns the value, while the set method assigns a new value. The term is commonly used when discussing encapsulation, where fields are kept private and accessed through public methods rather than direct field access.

Usage and language variations: In Java, fields are frequently private with public getX and setX methods. Example: private String name; public String getName() { return name; } public void setName(String name) { this.name = name; } In C# and Kotlin, properties provide built-in get and set accessors, sometimes with syntactic sugar; e.g., public string Name { get; set; } In Python, properties can be created with @property to simulate get/set behavior on attributes, allowing validation or lazy computation.

Pros and cons: Getset supports encapsulation, validation, logging, and the ability to change internal representation without affecting external code. It can incur boilerplate unless language features or tooling generate code; some projects favor immutability or direct field access in limited contexts. Tools and features such as Lombok, Kotlin data classes, or C# auto properties help reduce boilerplate.

See also: Accessor, Encapsulation, Property (computer programming).