By default class follows which access modifier in Java

In Java, if no access modifier is explicitly specified before the class keyword, the class has default (package-private) access. This means the class is accessible only within its own package. Here’s what you need to know about default access for classes in Java:

Default (Package-Private) Access Modifier

• No Modifier: If you declare a class without any access modifier, it is accessible only within its own package.
  
  

  class MyClass {

      // Class definition

  }

• Visibility: Classes with default access are visible only to other classes within the same package.

• Example:
  
  

  // File: MyClass.java

  package com.example;

  
  

  class MyClass {

      // Class definition

  }

// File: AnotherClass.java

package com.example;

public class AnotherClass {

    public static void main(String[] args) {

        // MyClass can be accessed here because it's in the same package

        MyClass myObject = new MyClass();

    }

}

Access Modifiers in Java Classes

Java provides several access modifiers for classes:

• public: Accessible from any other class.
  
  

  public class PublicClass {

      // Class definition

  }

• protected: Accessible within the same package and by subclasses (even if they are in different packages).
  
  

  protected class ProtectedClass {

      // Class definition

  }

• private: Accessible only within the same class.
  
  

  private class PrivateClass {

      // Class definition

  }

• Default (Package-Private): Accessible only within the same package.
  
  

  class PackagePrivateClass {

      // Class definition

  }

Choosing an Access Modifier

• Encapsulation: Use the most restrictive access level that makes sense for the class. This helps in encapsulating and protecting your class members appropriately.

• Default Access: Use default access when you want the class to be accessible only within its own package and not from outside.

Summary

By default, in Java, if no access modifier is specified before the class keyword, the class has default (package-private) access. This means it is accessible only within its own package. Understanding and correctly using access modifiers is crucial for designing well-structured and maintainable Java applications.