C++ Protected Keyword Explained

In C++, the protected keyword is used to restrict access to member variables or member functions that are declared as protected, allowing only member functions of the class and its derived classes to access them. Protected members cannot be accessed outside the class, so only member functions of the class or its derived classes can access protected members.

Using the “protected” keyword can provide a certain level of encapsulation and inheritance, allowing derived classes to access the protected members of the base class, while preventing external classes from directly accessing them. This helps protect the class’s member variables and functions, while still allowing them to be used in derived classes.