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[_ikram]

In Static Methods you dont have to create a an instance of a class to use the methods. If a method with the static keyword, the method can be called without first creating an instance of the class, this is becasue static methods are called from classes, not from objects.

The main method of a java app must be declared with the static keyword, this is how we know....
That's becasue when you start a java program by using the java command from cmd, java doesnt create an instance of the application class, instead it bascially makes it the static main method.

Many Java Programs are made up of static methods, however this tutorial is only for you guys to understan them better, most realistic programs require that you create one or more objects that the program uses to exacute.

I hope the guide has helped you understand the basics of static methods, and how you use them.

Ikram

[Arkie]

To give an example here's a static method

Code

GeSHi (java):
public class StaticTest {
	public static void main(String[] args){		
		System.out.println(new StaticTest().staticMethod("_ikram"));
	}
 
	public static String staticMethod(String name){
		String s = "Hello " + name + " !";
		return s;
	}	
}
 
Created by GeSHI 1.0.7.20

output
Hello _ikram !

[_ikram]

Thanks HP for the example.

[jurka]

Many of the newer programming languages has removed static keyword like in Scala. Use static keyword carefully, not just every method must be static, think before using. It may come bad habit for OO world.

[Arkie]

Many of the newer programming languages has removed static keyword like in Scala. Use static keyword carefully, not just every method must be static, think before using. It may come bad habit for OO world.

Any examples when to use statics and when not or why not?

[jurka]

Any examples when to use statics and when not or why not?

Ok as i might mess up the point of explaining why to use static with care, ill give better a link http://beust.com/weblog/archives/000174.html.