> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://codewithmeiy.gitbook.io/core-java/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://codewithmeiy.gitbook.io/core-java/object-oriented-programming-oops/encapsulation.md).

# Encapsulation

Encapsulation is one of the four fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming (OOP). It refers to the bundling of data and methods that operate on that data within a single unit, known as a class. This concept helps to protect the data and methods from outside interference, as it restricts direct access to them.

In Java, encapsulation is achieved by declaring the data members of a class as private and providing public methods to access and modify those data members. For example:

```java
class Person {
  private String name;
  private int age;

  public String getName() {
    return name;
  }

  public void setName(String name) {
    this.name = name;
  }

  public int getAge() {
    return age;
  }

  public void setAge(int age) {
    this.age = age;
  }
}
```

In this example, the `name` and `age` variables are declared as private, which means that they cannot be accessed directly from outside the class. The `getName()` and `setName()` methods provide public access to the `name` variable, and the `getAge()` and `setAge()` methods provide public access to the `age` variable.

Encapsulation has several benefits, including:

* It protects data from accidental or malicious modification.
* It makes code more modular and reusable.
* It promotes good design practices.

Encapsulation is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the quality and maintainability of our code.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about encapsulation in Java:

* The private members of a class can only be accessed by the methods of that class.
* The public methods of a class can be accessed by any code that has a reference to an object of that class.
* Encapsulation can be used to hide implementation details from users of a class.
* Encapsulation can be used to enforce good design practices, such as single responsibility and loose coupling.