Additional Notes
Why return a copy of a list in a getter method?
Track: Java
Topic: OOP
Focus: Invariants and Validation
Java: Invariants and Validation
Answer
To protect the original list from external changes.
Returning a copy of a list prevents external code from modifying the original list, which could violate the class's invariants. In a `Cart` class, providing a copy of the items list ensures the cart's contents cannot be altered directly, maintaining the integrity of the cart's state.
Returning a copy of a list prevents external code from modifying the original list, which could violate the class's invariants. In a `Cart` class, providing a copy of the items list ensures the cart's contents cannot be altered directly, maintaining the integrity of the cart's state.
Topics: Invariants and Validation Java OOP