27 lines
792 B
Markdown
27 lines
792 B
Markdown
---
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parent: Decision Records
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nav_order: 8
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---
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# Use `public final` instead of getters to offer access to immutable variables
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## Context and Problem Statement
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When making immutable data accessible in a java class, should it be using getters or by non-modifiable fields?
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## Considered Options
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* Offer public static field
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* Offer getters
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## Decision Outcome
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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.
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### Positive Consequences
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* Shorter code
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### Negative Consequences
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* newcomers could get confused, because getters/setters are still taught
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