Static versus Instance method Java is widely recognized as one of the most popular object-oriented programming languages. In Java, every program must be enclosed within a Java class, which consists of data members and methods. Methods play a crucial role in Java, offering significant power and flexibility to developers.
This article aims to comprehensively understand the key differences between static and instance methods in Java. Whether a beginner or looking to enhance your knowledge, you must grasp the fundamental rules of adding methods to your classes.
By exploring the Java developer course concepts of static methods and instance methods, this blog will equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to effectively utilize these two types of methods in your Java programs. Gain a clear understanding of when and how to use static and instance methods, and enhance your programming skills in Java.
General form in Java
<Modifier> <Return type> <name_of_method>(parameter list)Â
{
// body of the method
}
Here is the information presented in a table format for easy understanding
| Syntax Component | Description |
| Modifier | Specifies the access level or non-access attributes of the method. Examples include public, private, protected, final, static, and abstract. |
| Return Type | Specifies the type of data returned by the method. It can be any valid type, including class types. |
| Method Name | Specifies the unique identifier for the method. It should be a legal identifier not already used within the current scope. |
| Parameter List | Consists of type and identifier pairs separated by commas. Parameters act as variables that receive values passed to the method. |
Static method in Java
In Java, class methods are typically associated with class objects. However, there are situations where we may need to define a method inside a class that can function independently, regardless of the class objects. These methods are called static methods.
A static method in Java can be created by adding the keyword “static” before its declaration. Unlike regular methods, static methods can be accessed without needing an instance of the class. They can be invoked directly from the class itself.
Declining a method as static makes it accessible even before any class objects are created. A common example of a static method is the main() method, which serves as the entry point for a Java program. The main() method is declared static because it needs to be called before any objects are instantiated.
Static methods in Java provide flexibility and convenience in certain scenarios, allowing us to perform operations not specific to any particular object. By understanding the concept of static methods and when to use them, we can enhance our Java programming skills and create more efficient and modular code.
Drawbacks of static method in Java
Static methods in Java have certain limitations and rules that need to be followed:
- Static methods can only call other static methods within their own class. They cannot directly invoke non-static methods.
- They are restricted to accessing only static data, such as static variables or static methods, and cannot access non-static data.
- Static methods cannot refer to or use the “this” or “super” keywords. The “this” keyword refers to the current instance of the class, while the “super” keyword is used in inheritance to refer to the superclass.
Remembering these limitations when working with static methods in Java is important. Understanding and adhering to these rules allows you to effectively utilize static methods in your code and ensure proper functionality.
Examples
public class StaticDemoÂ
{
 static int a = 43;
 static int b = 7210;
 static void callme()Â
{
System.out.println(“The value of a = ” + a);
}
}
  public class TestThis
  {
 public static void main(String args[])Â
{
 //Static method is being called using the name of the class
StaticDemo.callme();
 //Static variable is accessed with the class name
System.out.println(“The value of b = ” + StaticDemo.b);
}
}
Output
The value of a = 43
The value of b = 7210
Instance method in Java
When defining a class in Java, it is common to include methods along with the data members. While data members hold the information, methods provide a way to access and manipulate that data.
Methods play an important role in encapsulating the internal details of a class. They allow us to hide the specific implementation of data structures behind method abstractions. Besides accessing data, methods can also be used internally by the class.
One type of method in Java is the instance method. Unlike static methods, which belong to the class itself, instance methods are associated with individual instances or objects of a class. They can be used to perform actions specific to each object.
To better understand instance methods, let’s consider an example that demonstrates their usage and benefits. By exploring instance methods, we can unlock the full potential of Java classes and leverage their capabilities effectively.
Examples
public class InstanceDemoÂ
{
 static int a = 43;
 int b = 7210;//instance variable
 void callme() //instance method
{
System.out.println(“The value of b = ” + b);
}
}
  public class TestThis
  {
 public static void main(String args[])Â
{
Â
InstanceDemo id = new InstanceDemo();
 //Instance method is being called using the object of the class
id.callme();
 //Static variable is accessed with the class name
System.out.println(“The value of a = ” + InstanceDemo.a);
}
}
Output
The value of b = 7210
The value of a = 43
Difference between static and instance methods in Java
Here is the information presented in a table format for easy understanding:
| Static Methods | Instance Methods |
| Can be called without the object of the class. | Require an object of the class. |
| Associated with the class. | Associated with the objects. |
| Can only access static attributes of the class. | Can access all the attributes of the class. |
| Declared with the static keyword. | Do not require any keywords. |
| Exists as a single copy for a class. | Exist as multiple copies depending on the number of instances. |
This table clearly outlines the key differences between static and instance methods in Java. Static methods can be called without the need for an object and are associated with the class itself. In contrast, instance methods require an object and are associated with specific class instances. Static methods can only access static attributes, while instance methods can access all class attributes.Â
Static methods are declared with the static keyword, while instance methods do not require any specific keyword. Additionally, a static method exists as a single copy for the entire class, while instance methods exist as multiple copies depending on the number of instances created.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does Java allow instance variables to be static?Â
Ans. Yes, Java has the option to declare these instance variables as static.Â
Q2. In Java, what’s a static instance?Â
Ans. Rather than being the object of a class, static objects are associated with that class. You may use the name of your class to access them.Â
Q3. How do you distinguish the static method from the instance method in Java?Â
Ans. A class’s static members are independent of its objects, while instance members depend on an object.
