My recommendation is to use class style get/set instance functions for data
hiding requirements.
Explanation.
Encapsulation means data and functions about an object are defined together
as a class. Data hiding is a programming technique that is an indirect
access to a class's data. Data hiding is usually implemented by extending
class functions with function names like getter and setter.
Two styles of getter and setter functions are often used.
class - the class name as the function and variable name passed with
value - setContact("lastname", #form.lastname#)
data - variable name with value passed as value.
setContactLastName(#form.lastname#)
Either style allows data hiding.
In a CFC all instance functions are public scope whereas data variables can
be either public or private scope. Data hiding functions can be used with
either scope. Some proponents say data hiding with private variables should
only be used. I think this limits the benefits of class structures.
With CFSQLTool, the wizards generate class style get/set functions and
public data scope instance variables.
There are 3 reasons for using class functions style.
Less code. Unless the setter is doing data verification, there is no
need for separate functions for each instance variable.
Namespace management - mullti-level hierarchies allow lower levels to
access higher level values. e.g. contact.employee.staff getContact()
works in all levels but only instance in contact.
Variable scope. - class functions tend to be more scopeless for
either public or private variables.
Further.
Do not be afraid to use public variables. You may not need data hiding
get/set functions. cfcContact.lastname = form.lastname is an encapsulated
structure. cfcContact.setContact("lastname", #form.lastname#) is
encapsulation using data hiding.
Joseph
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