Scala Learning Series

Object-Private in Scala

Scala Programming

Defining fields and methods as private[this] takes the privacy a step further and makes the field object-private which means that they can only be accessed from the object that contains them. A definition labeled private[this] is accessible only from within the same object that contains the definition, making it more private than the plain private. Other instances of the same class cannot access them!

Syntax

private[this] def isMaxVal = true

Example

class Cat {
  var breed: String = "Persian"
  private[this] var sex: String = "Male"

  def showDetails(other: Cat): Unit = {
    println(other.breed)

    // Below statement won't compile as we are accessing
    // via other instance of the same class.
    //println(other.sex)
  }
}