Getters and setters are methods used in programming to access and modify the values of private variables in a class. A getter method retrieves the value of a variable, while a setter method allows you to change that value. This approach helps maintain encapsulation, ensuring that the internal state of an object is protected from unintended changes. In many programming languages, such as Java and Python, getters and setters are commonly used to control how variables are accessed. By using these methods, developers can add validation or additional logic when getting or setting values, enhancing the robustness of their code.