To answer this question, let's go through each option to understand why it is correct or incorrect:
Option A) They can be applied to both data & methods - This option is correct because access modifiers can be applied to both data variables and methods within a class. Access modifiers such as public, private, and protected control the visibility and accessibility of these members.
Option B) They must precede a class's data variables or methods - This option is correct because access modifiers must be placed before the declaration of data variables or methods in a class. This ensures that the access level of these members is properly defined.
Option C) They can follow a class's data variables or methods - This option is incorrect because access modifiers cannot follow the declaration of data variables or methods. They must be placed before the declaration.
Option D) They can appear in any order - This option is correct because access modifiers within a class definition can appear in any order. However, it is generally good practice to follow a consistent ordering convention, such as placing them before the declaration.
Option E) They must be applied to data variables first and then to methods - This option is incorrect because access modifiers can be applied to data variables and methods in any order. There is no requirement to apply them to data variables first and then to methods.
The correct answer is A, B, D. These options accurately describe the use of access modifiers within a class definition.