# OOP Syntax Elements

LOCAL Directive |

LOCAL prop1 [OBJECT], prop2 [OBJECT] …

To create a private property, use the LOCAL directive within the class definition instead of the PROPERTY directive. Properties that are declared LOCAL are not visible to applications outside of the execution of the object itself, nor are they available to be read or updated.

Other typical uses of LOCAL properties wouldinclude values, such as file numbers, status flags, handles to subordinate object libraries, confidential information (such as security codes/passwords), as well as other types of information that you do not want applications outside of the object to access.

## See Also

LOCAL Directive
PROPERTY Directive