What is the Difference Between Protected and Private Methods?

Understanding Access Modifiers in Object-Oriented Programming

Access modifiers are essential tools in object-oriented programming (OOP) that control who can see or use what. If you're dealing with classes, inheritance, encapsulation — yep, you'll need to wrap your head around protected and private methods.

But wait. Before we go further — let's admit it — access modifiers can seem like abstract theory until you run into a real-world issue. Like, “Why can’t I call this method here?!” Yeah, been there.

So let’s get this clear once and for all.

What Is a Private Method?

Access Limited to the Declaring Class

A private method is like a secret only known by the class that owns it. No one outside that class can touch it. Not even subclasses. It’s like: "Hey, this is my business, don't mess with it."

In many programming languages like Java or C++, the private keyword restricts access to that method or property from any external code — even subclasses or friends (yes, even friends in C++ unless you specifically allow it).

java
class Car { private void startEngine() { System.out.println("Engine started"); }}

Here, startEngine() cannot be called from outside the Car class. Not even by a SuperCar that inherits from it.

Why Use Private?

You want to protect inner logic that might break if misused. Maybe a helper function, maybe some setup code that’s very particular. Encapsulation at its finest.

But — and this is key — it also means zero flexibility. If you someday want a subclass to reuse it... tough luck.

What Is a Protected Method?

Accessible to Subclasses (But Not Everyone)

Now we’re talking about protected methods. These are a bit more open-minded. The method isn’t public to the world, but subclasses — even those in other packages (in Java, anyway) — can access it.

java
class Vehicle { protected void honk() { System.out.println("Beep beep!"); }}class Truck extends Vehicle { void warn() { honk(); // Totally valid }}

So, protected is like: "Okay, only my kids (subclasses) can use this, no one else."

When to Use Protected?

You’re writing a base class and you know — or at least suspect — that child classes might want to override or reuse some functionality. So instead of duplicating code all over the place, you allow access through protected.

But it comes with a bit of risk. Too much exposure means subclasses can misuse or override things they shouldn't. (Honestly, I once made a protected method public by accident during a refactor... chaos.)

Key Differences at a Glance

Pretty neat, right? But it's not just about access — it's about design philosophy too.

Real-World Analogy (Because Why Not?)

Imagine a family-run bakery.

• Private method: Grandma’s secret cinnamon recipe. Only grandma knows it. Nobody else, not even her kids. Total lockdown.

• Protected method: The baking process she taught to her children. The general "how to bake bread" — passed on, used, maybe even improved. But still not for the public eye.

Kinda helps put it into perspective.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Use?

Honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

• Go private when you’re sure no one else needs that logic.

• Go protected when you’re building extensible class hierarchies.

But remember, more visibility = more responsibility. If you expose too much too early, future changes become painful. Been there, done that, burned by it.

Oh, and one last tip? Don’t just throw protected on everything because it "might" be reused. Be intentional. Otherwise, you're just creating technical debt that future-you will absolutely hate. Trust me.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.