Access Specifiers in C++

In C++, access specifiers (or access modifiers) play a crucial role. They determine where and how the members (data members and member functions) of a class can be accessed. Through access specifiers, a programmer can control which parts can be accessed by external code and which parts can only be used within the class.

There are three main access specifiers in C++: `private`, `protected`, and `public`.

Data members and member functions defined under the private access specifier cannot be directly accessed from outside the class. This is the highest level of security.

Data members and member functions defined under the protected access specifier also cannot be directly accessed from outside the class. However, they can be accessed by derived classes.

Data members and member functions defined under the public access specifier can be accessed from anywhere, whether inside or outside the class. This is the lowest level of security.

Data encapsulation is the process where data is hidden and controlled using private and protected access specifiers. Through encapsulation, data and functions are bound together, and the external interface is controlled so that data can only be accessed through public functions.