Accessors and Mutators C++

I am currently trying to learn C++ and following an instruction. I've researched on mutators and accessors but I need a simple explanation.

class Customer
{
public:
    Customer();
    ~Customer();

private:
    string m_name;
    int m_age;

};

Right the code above is in a header file. Within the instructions it is asking me to set a public accessors and mutator for both data. How do I do this?

Also it mentions checking the age is not negative in the mutator. I know how to implement the code but I'm just confused on where to place it. Do I place the validation in this header file? or in the .cpp? or in the main method?

I know this sounds all silly and I'm sure simple but I'd like to try and understand this.

5

1 Answer

Please note that this is basic C++.

Accessor - Member function used to retrieve the data of protected members.

Mutators - Member function used to edit the data of protected members.

In your case,

class Customer
{
public:
    Customer();
    ~Customer();
    string getName(); // Accessor for the m_name variable
    void editName(string in); // Mutator for the m_name variable

private:
    string m_name;
    int m_age;

};

Inside your .cpp file:

string Customer::getName() {
    return m_name;
}

void Customer::editName(string in) {
    m_name = in;
}
2

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Sarah Jenkins

Sarah Jenkins

Senior Technology Editor & AI Specialist

Sarah Jenkins is a veteran tech journalist with over 12 years of experience covering artificial intelligence, mobile innovations, and digital ethics. Her insights have appeared in leading technology publications worldwide.

Share this article
Twitter Facebook Pinterest