Skip to content
Sharp

Object-oriented programming · interview question

Why is returning a raw internal List<CartItem> from Cart risky?

Multiple choiceHardchapter-3-curatedpremiumoopdefensive-copying
Choose one answer
Answer and explanation

Correct answer

B. Outside code could mutate the internal collection without the cart approving the change

Why

Even with private fields, returning the raw mutable list lets callers modify the cart's internal structure directly. Defensive copying or unmodifiable views keep that structure under the object's control.

Test yourself on Object-oriented programming

A free test with instant, explained results. No account needed.

Start free test
All Object-oriented programming questions →