The static Keyword in Java

This post explores how static works with variables, methods, along with examples.

What is static Keyword?

The static keyword indicates that a particular member belongs to the class itself and not to instances of the class. That means:

• Static variables and methods are shared among all instances.
  Static members can be accessed without creating object of class.

• This makes static especially useful for scenarios where you want to store or manipulate common/shared data.

1. Static Variable (Class Variable)

A static variable is also known as a class variable. (which get memory each time an object is created), a static variable:

Gets memory only once at the time of class loading.
Is shared by all objects of the class.
Example Use Case:
collegeName for all students
companyName for all employees
Benefits:
Saves memory
Easy to maintain shared values

Class Employee {
    static String company = "ABC";
    int id;
    String name;

    Employee(int id, String name) {
        this.id = id;
        this.name = name;
    }

    void display() {
        System.out.println(id + " " + name + " " + company);
    }
}

2. Static Method

• A static method:Belongs to the class, not to an object.

• Can be called without creating an instances

• Can only access static data members and static methods.
  When to Use:
  Factory methods
  

class Utility {
    static int cube(int x) {
        return x ;
    }
}