How to restrict access to variables?

Question

C++ / C#

The question of restricting access to variables is very worrying, what is the right thing to do?
Now I do this: I write [SeriasableField] over all private variables that need to be displayed in the inspector, if another script somehow uses this variable, then I write a public Get or Set method. Is it worth it to do this or just declare such variables public?

Answer 1

This is more a matter of taste, I have seen both options, I also use SerializeField myself, but more often I tend to properties, not methods, but, again, it all depends on the project. I also often saw an approach of the form:

[SerializeField]
private int _field;
public int field { get { return _field; } set { _field = value; } }

If we talk about abstract code in a vacuum, then it is better to send data outward through interfaces in general, but this is not always advisable, especially in the context of a unit. But in general, yes, with any public field there is a risk that someone will pull it from the outside and break something, therefore it is better to limit the visibility of variables to the maximum.