SoftwareQuality/jabref/docs/decisions/0008-use-public-final-instead-of-getters.md

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Decision Records	8

Use public final instead of getters to offer access to immutable variables

Context and Problem Statement

When making immutable data accessible in a java class, should it be using getters or by non-modifiable fields?

Considered Options

• Offer public static field
• Offer getters

Decision Outcome

Chosen option: "Offer public static field", because getters used to be a convention which was even more manifested due to libraries depending on the existence on getters/setters. In the case of immutable variables, adding public getters is just useless since one is not hiding anything.

Positive Consequences

• Shorter code

Negative Consequences

• newcomers could get confused, because getters/setters are still taught