What's the Difference Between C#'s `protected` and `protected internal` Access Modifiers?

C# Access Modifiers: protected vs. protected internal

This article clarifies the key differences between the protected and protected internal access modifiers in C#. These modifiers control the visibility and accessibility of class members (fields, methods, properties, etc.).

protected Modifier

The protected modifier limits access to members within the declaring class itself and its derived classes. In essence, only the class and its descendants can access protected members. Classes outside the inheritance hierarchy, even within the same assembly, cannot directly access them.

protected internal Modifier

The protected internal modifier expands access beyond the protected modifier. It combines the accessibility of both protected and internal modifiers:

• Protected Aspect: Accessible from derived classes, regardless of whether they are in the same assembly or a different one.
• Internal Aspect: Accessible from any class within the same assembly, even without inheritance.

Crucially, classes in external assemblies cannot directly access protected internal members. Access from an external assembly must be mediated through an instance of a derived class.

Summary Table:

Access Modifier

Accessibility Scope

Access Modifier	Accessibility Scope
protected	Declaring class and its derived classes
protected internal	Declaring class, derived classes, and classes within the same assembly

Declaring class and its derived classes

Declaring class, derived classes, and classes within the same assembly

Practical Considerations:

protected internalThe

access modifier provides a flexible approach to sharing members within a single assembly while maintaining a degree of encapsulation and protection from external access. It's a useful tool for managing internal component interactions within a larger project.

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