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Getter Meaning: Definition and Examples

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getter

[หˆษกษ›tษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

programming term

A getter is a method that is used to obtain the value of a private field in a class. In object-oriented programming, getters are part of the encapsulation principle, allowing controlled access to an object's attributes.

Synonyms

accessor, retrieve.

Examples of usage

  • The class uses a getter to return the value.
  • You should call the getter to retrieve the private variable.
  • Using a getter improves data encapsulation.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In popular business slang, a 'go-getter' is celebrated for being ambitious and proactive in their pursuits.
  • Various films and books feature protagonists described as go-getters, showcasing their determination to succeed in life.
  • Prominent motivational speakers often highlight the characteristics of a go-getter as a model for success.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that individuals identified as 'go-getters' often possess traits like high motivation, resilience, and a positive attitude.
  • The concept of a 'getter mentality' is linked to setting and achieving personal goals through active engagement.
  • Studies show that people with a go-getter attitude adapt better to challenges and seek opportunities for improvement.

Literature

  • Literature often portrays 'getters' as determined characters, emphasizing themes of ambition and struggle.
  • Classic novels highlight the contrast between dreamers and go-getters, showcasing different paths to success.
  • Self-help books frequently encourage readers to adopt a getter mindset, focusing on proactive strategies for achieving objectives.

Origin of 'getter'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'getter' originated in the 20th century and is often used in American English.
  • Derived from the verb 'get', which means to acquire or obtain, it emphasizes the action of obtaining something.
  • In programming, 'getter' describes a method that retrieves the value of an object's attribute.

The term 'getter' is derived from the verb 'get', which originates from the Old Norse word 'geta', meaning 'to obtain, reach, or perceive'. The use of 'getter' in programming began to popularize in the late 20th century, especially with the rise of object-oriented programming languages like Java and C++. The practice of using getters and setters is linked to the encapsulation concept, which promotes the idea of restricting direct access to an object's data and providing methods for controlled interaction. This helps maintain the integrity of the data and the internal state of objects.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,461, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.