Static vs.
Non-Static Methods and Variables in Java
In the Java programming language, the difference between static methods and variables and
non-static (instance) methods and variables is one of the fundamental aspects of OOP. It is
essential to understand these concepts as they influence the design of the program, how
you manage your memory, and how you access both data and behaviors. Static elements are
associated with the class itself, while non-static elements are associated with all the unique
objects (instances) of the class.
Fundamental Distinctions
When comparing static and instance variables in Java, a static variable is a variable that
belongs to the class rather than the specific object. Static variables only have one copy,
which is shared among all class instances. A static method resides with the class and can be
called without creating an instance of the class, while an instance method must be invoked
from an object of that class (Eck, 2022).
As an example, consider the following code:
class Student {
static int totalStudents = 0; // static variable
String name; // instance variable
Student(String name) {
[Link] = name;
totalStudents++; // shared across all instances
static void printTotalStudents() { // static method
[Link]("Total students: " + totalStudents);
void displayStudent() { // instance method
[Link]("Student name: " + name);
}
In this example, totalStudents keeps track of the total number of Student objects created
and is therefore shared by all Student instances. Each object, however, has its own name
variable. It is important to note that when [Link]() is called, a student
object is not created. Conversely, referring to displayStudent() requires a created instance.
Use Cases in Object-Oriented Programming
In general, static methods and variables are utilized for self-contained functions that don't
care about object state, such as [Link]() or [Link]().
Static methods and variables can also be used to store information that is to be a property of
all objects created, like a counter that runs, some configuration setting, or a constant (final
static).
Static methods can even be used as a means to create new objects, like [Link]()
Advantages of Static Elements
Static characteristics have the following advantages:
Memory savings: Static variables only exist as a single copy; therefore, they are economical
when data has to be shared among all objects.
Easy access: Static methods and static variables do not have to be accessed through an
instance of an object; this is helpful when performing duties that are as easy as performing
calculations or logging functionality.
Structural organization: Constants (e.g., public static final double PI = 3.14159;) are
organized as classes, giving the reader a clear structure.
Disadvantages of Static Elements
But static variables also have their drawbacks:
Rigidity: Static variables are limited by their associated class; they cannot preserve any
object specific state.
Difficulties testing: Static methods can make unit testing cumbersome. Static behaviors are
only coupled to the class, rather than instances of the class.
Coupling of classes: Static variables can afford to couple classes and create unintended
dependencies when multiple classes reference shared state.
Advantages of Instance Elements
Instance methods and instance variables provide the following benefits:
Object individuality: Each object represents its own state, which is critical for modeling real-
world entities.
Encapsulation: Instance variables allow developers to encapsulate data within objects.
Reusability and scale: Instance object designs are more reusable and more scalable; they will
allow new objects to be created without altering existing instances.
Disadvantages of Non-Static Elements
Take up memory: Each object has its own copy of instance variables for that object. So, when
there are many objects instantiated, this can become quite inefficient.
Require you to instantiate: Any use of instance methods requires an object to be created.
While it is more efficient to make an object for instance-specific functionality, it does add
overhead when simple, general-purpose functionality is all that is needed.
Practical Applications
class BankAccount {
static double interestRate = 0.05; // shared
private double balance;
BankAccount(double balance) {
[Link] = balance;
void deposit(double amount) {
balance += amount;
void applyInterest() {
balance += balance * interestRate;
double getBalance() {
return balance;
}
In this example, the interest rate is global while each account tracks its own balance. This
resembles the types of systems we encounter in the real world - financial organizations set
the interest rate; the interest rate is the same for each customer, but balances will vary.
References
Eck, D. J. (2022). Introduction to programming using Java version 9, JavaFX edition. Hobart
and William Smith Colleges. Licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
[Link]
