Understanding Static Methods in Java

What is a static method in Java?

• A static method is a method that can only be used in the main method.

• A static method in Java is a method that belongs to the class and can be called without creating an instance of the class.

• A static method cannot access static variables.

• A static method can only be called from an instance of the class.

How do you declare a static method in Java?

• static returnType methodName() {}

• static methodName() {}

• void methodName() {}

• static returnType() methodName {}

Can static methods access instance variables?

• Yes, static methods can access instance variables.

• Static methods can modify instance variables directly.

• No, static methods cannot access instance variables.

• Static methods can access class variables only.

What is the main advantage of using static methods?

• They require an instance of the class to be called.

• They can only be used in abstract classes.

• They can access instance variables directly.

• They can be called without creating an instance of the class.

How can you call a static method in Java?

• Use the class name followed by the method name, e.g., MyClass.myMethod();.

• Call the method directly without the class name.

• Use an instance of the class to call the method.

• Invoke the method using a variable reference.

What keyword is used to define a static method?

• final

• const

• class

• static

Can static methods be overridden in Java?

• Static methods can be overridden with the same name in subclasses.

• No, static methods cannot be overridden in Java.

• Static methods can be hidden but not overridden in Java.

• Yes, static methods can be overridden in Java.

What is the difference between static and instance methods?

• Instance methods cannot access class variables.

• Static methods can only be private.

• Static methods require an instance to be called.

• Static methods are called on the class; instance methods are called on instances of the class.

In which scenarios would you use a static method?

• When you need to maintain state across instances

• When overriding methods in subclasses

• For methods that require access to instance variables

• Use static methods for utility functions, factory methods, or when no instance context is needed.

Can static methods be abstract in Java?

• Static methods can be overridden in subclasses.

• Static methods can be declared as abstract in an interface.

• No, static methods cannot be abstract in Java.

• Yes, static methods can be abstract in Java.