Protected Keywords - More Info about it

[Nelly Verccety]

I am analyzing java code using QJ-Pro and it comes with the next message:
Do not define protected members in classes that are not part of a named package. Anyone know what that means?

The line that is refering too is the following:
protected Panel getPanel() {return this;}

What do I need to know about protected keyword before I use it?

[Nelly Verccety]

Other thing, when is protected best used and where should be placed it so that its clear and will not break encapsulation?

[Aum Tao]

Protected members are accessible in the same class or its subclasses.
If accessed from subclass , the instance should be of the class from where the protected member is being accessed or its subclass. The package may differ in this case.