All Flashcards
What is a mutator method?
A method that changes the values of instance variables of an object.
What is another name for mutator methods?
Setter methods.
What does 'void' mean in the context of a method?
The method does not return any value.
What is an immutable class?
A class with no mutator methods, meaning its state cannot be changed after creation.
What is the typical return type of a mutator method?
void
What is the purpose of a parameter in a mutator method?
To provide the new value to which the instance variable will be set.
What is an instance variable?
A variable defined in a class for which every object of the class has its own copy.
What is the difference between accessor and mutator methods?
Accessor methods retrieve the values of instance variables, while mutator methods modify them.
Why might a class not have a mutator method for a specific instance variable?
To prevent clients from changing the data of that instance variable, ensuring data integrity.
What is the signature of a mutator method?
Typically 'public void methodName(DataType parameterName)'
What is the primary purpose of mutator methods in object-oriented programming?
To encapsulate data and control how instance variables are modified, promoting data integrity and abstraction.
Why is it important to control access to instance variables using accessor and mutator methods?
It allows for data hiding and encapsulation, which are key principles of object-oriented programming, and helps prevent unintended modifications to the object's state.
Explain the concept of encapsulation in relation to mutator methods.
Encapsulation involves bundling data (instance variables) and methods that operate on that data within a class, and mutator methods provide a controlled interface for modifying that data.
How do mutator methods contribute to the principle of abstraction?
They hide the internal implementation details of how instance variables are modified, allowing clients to interact with objects at a higher level of abstraction.
What are the benefits of using mutator methods over directly accessing and modifying instance variables?
Mutator methods allow for validation and error checking before modifying the instance variables, ensuring that the object's state remains consistent and valid.
Explain the relationship between mutator methods and data validation.
Mutator methods can include logic to validate the input parameter before assigning it to the instance variable, preventing invalid or inconsistent data from being stored.
How do mutator methods support code maintainability and reusability?
By providing a well-defined interface for modifying object state, mutator methods make it easier to update and maintain the code without affecting other parts of the program.
What is the significance of the 'void' return type in mutator methods?
It indicates that the mutator method does not return any value, as its primary purpose is to modify the object's state rather than compute and return a result.
How can mutator methods be used to implement business logic or constraints?
Mutator methods can include logic to enforce business rules or constraints when modifying instance variables, ensuring that the object's state adheres to the application's requirements.
Describe a scenario where a mutator method might have a non-void return type.
A mutator method might return the original value of the instance variable before it was modified, allowing the client to undo or revert the change if needed.
How are mutator methods applied in a banking application?
Used to update account balances, such as deposit and withdrawal operations.
How are mutator methods applied in a game development context?
Used to change the position, health, or score of game characters or objects.
How are mutator methods applied in a social media application?
Used to update user profiles, such as changing names, profile pictures, or privacy settings.
How are mutator methods applied in an e-commerce application?
Used to update product inventory, change prices, or process orders.
How are mutator methods applied in a content management system (CMS)?
Used to update articles, blog posts, or other content items.
How are mutator methods applied in a database management system (DBMS)?
Used to update records in tables, such as changing customer information or product details.
How are mutator methods applied in a graphical user interface (GUI) framework?
Used to update the properties of GUI elements, such as changing the text of a label or the color of a button.
How are mutator methods applied in a network communication protocol?
Used to update the state of network connections, such as changing the connection status or the amount of data being transmitted.
How are mutator methods applied in a machine learning algorithm?
Used to update the weights or parameters of the model during training.
How are mutator methods applied in an operating system?
Used to update system settings, such as changing the screen resolution or the keyboard layout.