What's the Difference Between C#'s `protected` and `protected internal` Access Modifiers?

C# Access Modifiers: protected vs. protected internal

This article clarifies the key differences between the protected and protected internal access modifiers in C#. These modifiers control the visibility and accessibility of class members (fields, methods, properties, etc.).

protected Modifier

The protected modifier limits access to members within the declaring class itself and its derived classes. In essence, only the class and its descendants can access protected members. Classes outside the inheritance hierarchy, even within the same assembly, cannot directly access them.

protected internal Modifier

The protected internal modifier expands access beyond the protected modifier. It combines the accessibility of both protected and internal modifiers:

• Protected Aspect: Accessible from derived classes, regardless of whether they are in the same assembly or a different one.
• Internal Aspect: Accessible from any class within the same assembly, even without inheritance.

Crucially, classes in external assemblies cannot directly access protected internal members. Access from an external assembly must be mediated through an instance of a derived class.

Summary Table:

protected internalThe

The above is the detailed content of What's the Difference Between C#'s `protected` and `protected internal` Access Modifiers?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!