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In [[object-oriented programming]], a '''member variable''' (sometimes called a '''member field''') is a [[Variable (computer science)|variable]] that is associated with a specific object, and accessible for all its methods (member functions).

== Types in class-based language ==

In [[Class (computer science)|class]]-based languages, these are distinguished into two types: 

* If there is only one copy of the variable shared with all instances of the class, it is called a [[class variable]] or static member variable
* If each instance of the class has its own copy of the variable, the variable is called an [[instance variable]].

== See also ==

* [[Attribute (computing)]] - a specification that defines a property of an [[Object (computer science)|object]], [[HTML element|element]], [[Computer file|file]], etc.
* [[Class (computer programming)]]
* [[Global variable]]
* [[Instance variable]]
* [[Local variable]]
* [[Object-oriented programming]]
* [[Variable (computer science)]]

== External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_variable Member variable] @ Wikipedia


[[Category:Computer programming]]
[[Category:Computer science]]