Protected member variable vs. protected accessor methods

From: Andy Redman (andy.redman_at_NOSPAM.retail-j.com)
Date: 01/20/05 

Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 10:00:40 +0000 (UTC)

Hi

I have a class (Java) with a private member variable. I now need to
extend the class to add a sub class which adds a new function. The new
function needs access to the member variable; at this moment it does
not need to alter the variable. As I see it I have two options, a -
make the member variable protected or b - add protected accessor
methods to the super class. Is there any general rule about which
approach to take.

Cheers,

Andy

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