Quick Answer
The correct answer is to provide a public getBalance() method. This follows the encapsulation getter method best practice by exposing a read-only access point to the private field 'balance' while preventing subclasses from directly modifying it. In object-oriented programming, encapsulation protects internal state, and a getter is the standard Java pattern for controlled read access—subclasses can call getBalance() to retrieve the value but cannot assign to the private variable. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this concept tests your understanding of access modifiers and the principle of data hiding; a common trap is choosing a protected field, which would allow direct modification from subclasses. Remember the mnemonic: “Private field, public getter—read only, no setter.”
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of object-oriented programming. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
In a banking application, a class 'Account' has a private field 'balance'. Which is the best way to allow subclasses to read but not directly modify 'balance'?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Make balance public
Why wrong: Public allows direct modification, violating encapsulation.
Provide a public getBalance() method
Getter provides read-only access; keep field private.
Use a static variable
Why wrong: Static is not related to access control; all accounts would share the same balance.
Make balance protected
Why wrong: Protected allows subclasses to modify directly.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Provide a public getBalance() method
Option B is correct because it follows the encapsulation principle of object-oriented programming. By providing a public getBalance() method, subclasses can read the balance value without having direct access to the private field, thus preventing unintended modification. This is the standard Java pattern for controlled access to private instance variables.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Make balance public
Why it's wrong here
Public allows direct modification, violating encapsulation.
Provide a public getBalance() method
Why this is correct
Getter provides read-only access; keep field private.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use a static variable
Why it's wrong here
Static is not related to access control; all accounts would share the same balance.
Make balance protected
Why it's wrong here
Protected allows subclasses to modify directly.
Common exam traps
Oracle often tests the misconception that protected access is sufficient for read-only access, but protected actually allows both reading and writing by subclasses, failing the 'not directly modify' requirement.
Detailed technical explanation
In Java, the private access modifier restricts access to within the declaring class only. A public getter method provides a controlled read-only interface, and if needed, additional logic (e.g., validation or logging) can be added. This design is fundamental to the JavaBeans specification and is widely used in frameworks like Spring and Hibernate for property access.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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FAQ
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Provide a public getBalance() method — Option B is correct because it follows the encapsulation principle of object-oriented programming. By providing a public getBalance() method, subclasses can read the balance value without having direct access to the private field, thus preventing unintended modification. This is the standard Java pattern for controlled access to private instance variables.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. In a banking application, a class 'Account' has private field 'balance' and public methods 'getBalance()' and 'setBalance(double)'. This is an example of which OOP principle?
easyWhy D: Option D is correct because encapsulation hides internal data and provides controlled access via methods. Option A is wrong because there is no inheritance involved. Option B is wrong because polymorphism is not shown. Option C is wrong because abstraction is about hiding complexity, not data protection.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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