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Start your free trialNick Vitsinsky
7,246 PointsHow to define member field?
Ok, so I read all the topics related to "m" before the variable, but still don't get it, how do we define whether it is a member field or not, should it be a member or not?
3 Answers
Chaz Hall
1,970 PointsI understand it as if the class were a chess club and a member variable is a player of that chess league. The m would be something similar to a membership card in that all players have one. I don't know if that helps but I know I need easy breakdowns.
Nick Vitsinsky
7,246 PointsMaybe a bit easier to answer is when to declare String mVariable and when String variable?
Charles Cloud
6,134 PointsOhhh got ya. It is simply what convention you want to follow. The prefixing of the m is simply a standard used in development of android applications, most other places the standard is to not use a prefix. So in essence, if you are developing for android use the m, otherwise don't.
Nick Vitsinsky
7,246 Pointsok, but why Craig called it - member. I assume we can have a member variable without m if we won't use convention. So the question is mostly how to understand should this variable be a member variable or not. Maybe I'm confused because English is not my native language. urgh
Charles Cloud
6,134 PointsMember simply means that it belongs to the class. It is a member of the class as it were. So the prefix does nothing as far as making it a member variable or not, the m just stood for member. As far as behavior goes however, the m makes absolutely no difference. The m is not what makes it a member variable, it simply stands for member and it is convention to use it at certain times (aka Android dev)
Charles Cloud
6,134 PointsCharles Cloud
6,134 PointsCan you clarify your question?