:Access <Private|Public><Instance|Shared> :Access <WebMethod>
The :Access statement is used to specify characteristics for functions that represent Methods in classes (see Methods). It is also applicable to Classes and Properties.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Private|Public | Specifies whether or not the method is accessible from outside the Class or an Instance of the Class. The default is Private. |
| Instance|Shared | Specifies whether the method runs in the Class or Instance. The default is Instance. |
| WebMethod | Specifies that the method is exported as a web method. This applies only to a Class that implements a Web Service. |
| Overridable | Applies only to an Instance Method and specifies that the Method may be overridden by a Method in a higher Class. See below. |
| Override | Applies only to an Instance Method and specifies that the Method overrides the corresponding Overridable Method defined in the Base Class. See below |
Overridable/Override
Normally, a Method defined in a higher Class replaces a Method of the same name that is defined in its Base Class, but only for calls made from above or within the higher Class itself (or an Instance of the higher Class). The base method remains available in the Base Class and is invoked by a reference to it from within the Base Class.
However, a Method declared as being Overridable is replaced in-situ (i.e. within its own Class) by a Method of the same name in a higher Class if that Method is itself declared with the Override keyword. For further information, see Superseding Base Class Methods.
WebMethod
Note that :Access WebMethod is equivalent to:
:Access Public
:Attribute System.Web.Services.WebMethodAttribute