What is the scope of protected access modifier in Java?

When a variable, method or constructor that are declared protected in a superclass can be accessed only by the subclasses in other package or any class within the package of the protected members' class.

The protected access modifier cannot be applied to class and interfaces. Methods, fields can be declared protected, however methods and fields in a interface cannot be declared protected.

Protected access gives the subclass a chance to use the helper method or variable, while preventing a nonrelated class from trying to use it.

Example

The following parent class uses protected access control, to allow its child class override openSpeaker() method −

 class AudioPlayer { protected boolean openSpeaker(Speaker sp) { // implementation details } } class StreamingAudioPlayer { boolean openSpeaker(Speaker sp) { // implementation details 8. Java MODIFIERS } } 

Here, if we define openSpeaker() method as private, then it would not be accessible from any other class other than AudioPlayer. If we define it as public, then it would become accessible to all the outside world. But our intention is to expose this method to its subclass only, that's why we have used protected modifier.