The great Static Keyword in Java

Source: Google Images

Purpose of the Static Keyword:

• The static keyword in Java helps optimise memory usage by creating variables, methods, and blocks that are shared across multiple instances of a class.

Creating Static Variables:

• Without static: Each instance of a class would have its own copy of the variable, consuming memory.
• With static: Variable’s value remains constant across all instances, saving memory.
• Example:

class Student {
    String studentName; 
    String course; 
    static String school;
}

Example of Static Variables:

• Without static keyword:

Student Student1 = new Student();
Student1.school = "JapneetSachdeva";

• With static keyword:

Student1.school = "JapneetSachdeva";

Static Methods:

• Can only access and modify static variables.
• Can be called without creating a class instance.
• Example:

static void incrementBy2()
{     
evenNumber = evenNumber + 2;     
System.out.println(evenNumber); 
}

Static Blocks:

• Similar to constructors, used to initialize static variables.
• Executed by the compiler before the main method.
• Example:

static {
    year = 2024;
    System.out.println("This code block got executed first");
}

Order of Execution:

• Static blocks are executed before the main method.
• Example:

This code block got executed first
Hello World
2024

• Summary:
• The static keyword helps optimise memory usage in Java programs.
• Used for creating static variables, methods, and blocks.
• Static blocks initialise static variables and are executed before the main method.
• For Test Automation, Use Static Keyword only for reusable methods. Overuse of static can drop the advantages of OOP.

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