English Reference

Word

getter

Phoneticsget·ter

US/ˈɡɛtɝ/

UK/ɡˈɛtɐ/

Definition

n. A special tool in computer coding that lets you safely look at a piece of hidden information inside an object without changing it.

n. In object-oriented programming, a public method used to retrieve the value of a private member variable. It provides a controlled interface for accessing data while maintaining encapsulation, often paired with a 'setter' for data modification. In everyday English, it can also mean someone who obtains something.

Examples

“I need to write a getter to see the user's age.”

“The programmer used a getter method to access the private price variable from the product class.”

“By using a getter instead of making the variable public, you can control exactly how the data is presented to other parts of the program.”

Examples

simple

“I need to write a getter to see the user's age.”

contextual

“The programmer used a getter method to access the private price variable from the product class.”

complex

“By using a getter instead of making the variable public, you can control exactly how the data is presented to other parts of the program.”

Usage

Most commonly encountered in the compound 'go-getter' rather than as a standalone noun.

Domains

MiningProgramming

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/getter

English Reference