Data Hiding vs Global Variables
Developers should learn and use data hiding to build robust, maintainable software by encapsulating data and exposing only necessary functionality, which minimizes bugs from external manipulation and simplifies code changes meets developers should use global variables when they need to share data across multiple functions or modules without passing it as parameters, such as for configuration settings, application state, or constants used throughout a program. Here's our take.
Data Hiding
Developers should learn and use data hiding to build robust, maintainable software by encapsulating data and exposing only necessary functionality, which minimizes bugs from external manipulation and simplifies code changes
Data Hiding
Nice PickDevelopers should learn and use data hiding to build robust, maintainable software by encapsulating data and exposing only necessary functionality, which minimizes bugs from external manipulation and simplifies code changes
Pros
- +It is essential in OOP languages like Java, C++, and Python for creating modular systems, such as in banking applications where sensitive account balances are protected, or in game development where internal game state is hidden from external code
- +Related to: object-oriented-programming, encapsulation
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
Global Variables
Developers should use global variables when they need to share data across multiple functions or modules without passing it as parameters, such as for configuration settings, application state, or constants used throughout a program
Pros
- +However, they should be used sparingly due to risks like unintended side-effects, debugging difficulties, and reduced code modularity, making them suitable for small scripts or specific cases where local alternatives are impractical
- +Related to: variable-scoping, namespaces
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
The Verdict
Use Data Hiding if: You want it is essential in oop languages like java, c++, and python for creating modular systems, such as in banking applications where sensitive account balances are protected, or in game development where internal game state is hidden from external code and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.
Use Global Variables if: You prioritize however, they should be used sparingly due to risks like unintended side-effects, debugging difficulties, and reduced code modularity, making them suitable for small scripts or specific cases where local alternatives are impractical over what Data Hiding offers.
Developers should learn and use data hiding to build robust, maintainable software by encapsulating data and exposing only necessary functionality, which minimizes bugs from external manipulation and simplifies code changes
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