java - Static final member variables vs. get methods -

i have class configuration property file.

my first solution this:

public class config {      public static final int disc;      static {          // read property file , set properties          disc = 5;     } } 

reading information in way:

system.out.println(config.disc); 

the second solution is:

public class config {      private int disc;      public void config() {          // read property file , set properties          disc = 5;     }      public int getdisc() {         return this.disc;     } } 

reading in way:

system.out.println(new config().getdisc()); 

what's best way , why? advantages , disadvantages?

the answer depends on meaning of disc:

• if disc represents constant, giving name numeric value, public final field better
• if disc represents value change result of user's actions (i.e. if part of configuration) private variable getter preferable.

the second approach gives more flexibility, should decide refactor class in future: lets initialize private disc @ later time, or replace other way of obtaining value, e.g. computing other values, or reading object.