Hi, why we can't use private functions in public inline functions?

# getting-started

[Gamar Mustafa]

Hi,
why we can't use private functions in public inline functions?

[Jacob]

Cuz inline copies the function body to wherever it's used. And you can't reference private functions from those other places

[Gamar Mustafa]

But doesn't it copy lambda's body to the the call site?

[CLOVIS]

Yes, it does.

[CLOVIS]

Imagine you write:

// Module A
private val foo = 5
inline fun getFoo() = foo

and then where you use it:

// Module B
fun main() {
    println(getFoo())
}

At compile-time, inline functions are removed; so this becomes:

// Mobule B
fun main() {
    println(foo)
}

but foo is private in modula A, so this is forbidden!

[Robert Jaros]

But the foo variable is still there. I've always wondered why the compiler can't reference it in some hidden way?

[Gamar Mustafa]

but what if they are in the same class?

class A{

    inline fun test(a:() ->Unit){
        a()
        doSomething()
    }

    private fun doSomething(){

    }
}

[Jacob]

If the inline function is not private then it may be used in other classes. And then you have the same problem

[Gamar Mustafa]

but I am trying to use it inside main() function

[CLOVIS]

@Robert Jaros I believe that would be platform-specific. On JS I believe it's possible, but probably not on the JVM?

[CLOVIS]

@Gamar Mustafa is the main function inside the same class? If so, you can make your function private.

[Robert Jaros]

@CLOVIS You are right. I'm too much of the web developer ;)