My previous article i wrote on the simple guide to learn final keyword.Please read it so you can be able to combine both knowledge in your journey to building great Java application.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the static keyword and explore practical use case of it. By the end of this guide, you’ll have understanding of this key concept and how to use it effectively.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Static keyword in Java

2. Using the static keyword for variables, methods, classes

3. When to use the static keyword in Java

4. Best Practices for using the Static keyword in Java

5. Conclusion

Understanding the Static keyword in Java

The Static keyword is use to indicate that a variable or method is a class-level member.This means that we don’t need to create an object before we can use that variable or method.

Static variables and methods are shared by all instance of the class and are not tied to a specific object. Static variables and method are stored in a separate area of the memory,which is allocated once when the class is loaded.This makes static members more memory-efficient than instance members, since they don't need to be duplicated for each instance of the class.

Using the static keyword for variables, methods, classes

Static Variable: These are shared across all instances of a class, and to access a static variable you don't create object.are accessed using the class name rather than an instance of the class

public class StaticSample {

    public static int myVariable = 23;

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        System.out.println("My static variable is : "+myVariable);
    }
}

Static variable are accessed using the class name rather than an instance of the class

class StaticSampleB {
     public static int myStaticVariable = 6;
     public int myInstanceVariable = 7;
}

class MainSampleB {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int staticVariable = StaticSampleB.myStaticVariable;


        System.out.println("my static variable is : "+ staticVariable);
        System.out.println("my instance variable is :"+ age);
    }
}

In this example, myStaticVariable is a static variable that is shared across all instances of the StaticSampleB class. It can be accessed using the class name like this:

int staticVariable = StaticSampleB.myStaticVariable;

On the other hand, myInstanceVariableis an instance variable that is unique to each instance of the StaticSampleB class. It can be accessed using an instance of the class, like this:

StaticSampleB myObject = new StaticSampleB();
int age = myObject.myInstanceVariable;

Static Methods: These are methods that belong to the class itself, rather than to instances of the class. This means that you can call a static method directly from the class, without having to create an instance of the class first. Here's an example of how to declare a static method in Java:

public class StaticSample {
    public static int myVariable = 23;

    public static void myStaticMethod(){
System.out.println("I am a static method,Your static variable is "+ myVariable);
    }
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        myStaticMethod();
    }

}

Static classes: are nested classes that are declared as static. This means that they can be accessed directly from the outer class, without having to create an instance of the outer class first. Static classes are often used to group related utility methods or constants together.

Here's an example of how to declare a static class in Java:

public class MyOuterClass {
    public static class MyStaticInnerClass {
        public void myMethod() {
            System.out.println("Hello from my static inner class method!");
        }
    }
}

In this example, MyStaticInnerClass is a static inner class belonging to the MyOuterClass class.

When to use the static keyword in Java

Static variables, methods, and classes can be useful in a variety of situations. Here are a few common scenarios where you might want to use the static keyword in Java:

• When you want to create a variable or method that belongs to the class itself, rather than to individual instances of the class.

• When you want to group related utility methods or constants together in a static class.

• When you want to create a global variable that can be accessed from anywhere in your code.

However, it's important to use the static keyword judiciously, since overuse of static variables and methods can lead to code that is difficult to maintain and test. As a general rule, you should use static variables and methods sparingly, and only when they provide a clear benefit over instance variables and methods.

Best Practices for Using the Static Keyword in Java

While the static keyword can be useful in certain situations, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid creating code that is difficult to maintain and test. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind when using the static keyword in Java:

• Use static variables and methods sparingly, and only when they provide a clear benefit over instance variables and methods.

• Avoid using static variables to store state information, since this can lead to code that is difficult to test and maintain.

• When using static variables to store global constants, use the final keyword to ensure that their value cannot be changed.

• When using static methods, be aware that they cannot be overridden by subclasses, which can limit their flexibility.

• When using static classes, be sure to use them only for utility classes that do not have any state information of their own.

By following these best practices, you can use the static keyword effectively in your Java programs and create code that is both efficient and maintainable.

Conclusion In this article, we explored the static keyword in Java and how it can be used to create efficient and maintainable code. We looked at practical use cases for static variables, methods, and classes, and discussed best practices for using the static keyword in your Java programs. By following these guidelines, you can use the static keyword effectively and create code that is both efficient and easy to maintain. Remember to use the static keyword judiciously and to follow best practices to ensure that your code remains easy to read, test, and maintain.