Understanding Java Access Modifiers

Posted On: 2026-03-22 13:04:28 Core Java

   Outer Class   Inner Class   Methods   Variables   Blocks  Outer Interface Inner Interface  Outer Enum   Inner Enum   Constructor 
Public Y Y Y Y -  Y Y Y Y Y
Private  - Y Y Y -  -  Y -  Y Y
Protected  - Y Y Y -  -  Y -  Y Y
Default Y Y Y Y -  Y Y Y Y Y
Final Y Y Y Y -  -  -  -  -  - 
Abstract Y Y Y -  -  Y Y -  -  - 
Static  - Y Y Y Y -  Y -  Y - 
Synchronized -  -  Y -  Y -  -  -  -  - 
Native -  -  Y -  -  -  -  -  -  - 
Strictfp Y Y -  -  -  Y  - Y Y - 
Transient -  -  -  Y -  -  -  -  -  -
Volatile -  -  -  Y -  -  -  -  -  - 

 

  • The modifiers which are applicable for inner classes but not for outer classes are Private,Protected and Static
  • The modifiers which are applicable for classes but not for interface are Final
  • The modifiers which are applicable for classes but not for enums are Final and Abstract
  • The modifiers which are applicable only for methods are Native
  • Interface defined inside a class  is static weather we are declaring or not
  • Interface defined inside a interface is static and public weather we are declaring or not
  • Class defined inside a interface is static and public weather we are declaring or not