C# can mark members with access modifiers such as:
public
and:
private
These modifiers help control how code outside the class can access its internal state.
public Allows Broader AccessA public field such as:
public int jerseyNumber;
can be accessed by code that has a Player object and is allowed by the normal C# type rules:
player1.jerseyNumber = 7;
This direct access is common in early course examples.
private Restricts Direct Outside AccessA private field:
private int jerseyNumber;
is not directly accessible from unrelated outside code in the same way.
That helps the class protect its internal state.
Encapsulation asks:
Which class owns this information, and who should be allowed to change it directly?
private supports a tighter boundary.
public exposes the member more broadly.
The correct choice depends on the current design.
Later modules teach methods and properties that can provide controlled access to private state.
At this point, use the exact access required by the current course design.
Do not make fields private if the current learner task still requires direct access and no replacement mechanism has been taught.
If code attempts to access a private field from an invalid location, the compiler can report the access problem.
That message helps you distinguish:
field does not exist
from:
field exists but is not accessible here
Access is part of the class design, not merely style.