gettersetter

GetterSetter, in programming discourse, refers to the pair of methods used to access and modify the internal state of an object. A getter returns the value of a property, while a setter assigns a new value. Together, they provide a controlled interface to an object's data, supporting the principle of encapsulation.

Naming and usage vary by language. In many object-oriented languages getters and setters follow a conventional pattern, such as getX to retrieve a property X and setX to assign to it. Some languages, however, offer property syntax or annotations that automate this pattern, allowing direct property-like access while still routing through underlying methods.

The primary benefits of getters and setters include data encapsulation, validation, and the ability to enforce invariants. They allow logic to run on access or mutation, such as input validation, normalization, or triggering side effects like lazy loading or event notification. They also enable read-only properties by providing a getter without a corresponding setter, and they support backward-compatible changes to internal representations.

Critics argue that excessive boilerplate for simple data carriers can clutter code and obscure the fact that a field is being accessed directly. Modern languages often provide alternatives, such as auto-implemented properties, or allow properties with concise syntax that reduces boilerplate while preserving encapsulation.

Examples commonly appear in Java, C#, and Python. In Java, a private field x might be exposed via public int getX() { return x; } and public void setX(int x) { this.x = x; }. In Python, the @property decorator creates getter behavior with less ceremony. GetterSetter remains a foundational concept in object-oriented design for managing access to an object's state.