Static keyword

Static variables can be accessed using just the class name. No need to instantiate the class! Static variables are shared among all instances of a class.

Example is fx the String.format method

Typically refers to common property

Cannot reach this!

When to use static?

• main method must be static

• When you want to have a variable that describes something about the class itself, not the individual objects of that class

• When you want to have a variable that always has the same value for every object of the class, forever and ever.

• If you have a method that does not use any instance variables or instance methods, you should probably make it static

public class Student {
  public static String schoolName = "KEA";
}

System.out.println(Student.schoolName); // KEA

No need for instantiating the Student class. schoolName is available on the class itself 😱