TIOBE - Java Coding Standard

Rule: Design24

Synopsis:	Avoid protected fields in a final class. Change to private or package access
Language:	Java
Severity Level:	2
Category:	Design

Description:

Do not use protected fields in final classes since they cannot be subclassed. Clarify your intent by using private or package access modifiers instead.

public final class Bar {
 private int x;
 protected int y;  // <-- Bar cannot be subclassed, so is y really private or package visible???
 Bar() {}
}