AP CSA Unit 3 Day 3: Accessor Method Side Effects
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Unit 3, Classes & Objects • Cycle 2
Day 3 Advanced Practice • Harder Difficulty
Focus: Accessor Method Side Effects
Hard
Accessor Method Side Effects
Advanced Practice Question
Format: Accessor Method Side Effects
Which statement is TRUE about this accessor method?
Which statement is TRUE about this accessor method?
public class Data {
private int[] nums;
public int[] getNums() {
return nums;
}
}
Difficulty: Hard |
Topic: Accessor Method Side Effects |
Cycle: 2 (Advanced)
Why This Answer?
Returning a direct reference to a private array allows external code to modify the array contents, breaking encapsulation. Should return nums.clone() or a copy.
Common Mistake
Watch Out!
Thinking that returning a private variable is always safe for accessors.
AP Exam Strategy
Arrays and objects are references—return a COPY to preserve encapsulation.
Master This Topic
This Cycle 2 HARD question tests accessor method side effects. Review Unit 3 concepts to build mastery of classes & objects.
- Understanding accessor method side effects
- Tracing code execution accurately
- Avoiding common pitfalls
Ready for More Challenges?
Cycle 2 questions prepare you for the hardest AP CSA exam questions.
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