Accessor

/ækˈsɛsər/ noun

Definition

A person or device that accesses something, or in programming, a method used to retrieve information from an object.

Etymology

From access + -or (Latin suffix for 'one who does'). Originally meant someone who approaches or gains entry; modern usage expanded with computer science terminology.

Kelly Says

Accessors in programming are like gatekeepers that protect information—they let you read data but often prevent you from changing it directly, which is a clever way to keep computer programs from accidentally breaking themselves.

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