protected variable
nounUK /prəˈtɛktɪd ˈvɛəriəbl/
US /prəˈtɛktɪd ˈvɛriəbl/
A protected variable is a value in a computer program that only certain parts of the program are allowed to change.
The programmer made the score a protected variable so other parts of the game could not change it by accident.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In object-oriented programming, a variable declared with the protected keyword, visible to its own class and subclasses.
Subclasses can read the protected variable directly, but outside code cannot.
3. A variable whose value is shielded from unauthorized modification by the runtime or operating system.
The protected variable stored the security token safely.
4. A variable in a spreadsheet or form that users can view but not edit.
The total is a protected variable, so the formula stays correct.