In Java is there a performance difference between referencing a field through getter versus through a variable?

Question

Is there any differences between doing

Field field = something.getSomethingElse().getField();
if (field == 0) {
//do something    
}
somelist.add(field);
         


        

Answer 1

Not if you have a good JVM, like HotSpot from Sun. It will in-line and compile (to native code) the getters.

Using getters is generally a very good practice, as a defensive measure, and general Information Hiding.