Today, there is probably no more widely-used programming language than Java.
It has become the standard language for businesses and the enterprise. It provides a solid foundation for much of the internet and many programs used across the world. It has fueled the rise of mobile applications.
According to the job site Indeed.com, there are more postings for Java programmers than any other language.
We’ll look at Java, and then dive into Java Static, one of the core features of Java.
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How Is Java Used?
Many experts agree that the key to Java’s popularity is code reusability and ease-of-use.
Before Java, programmers would need to write new code for every platform that ran a program. You would need a Linux version, a Windows version, and an Apple version of a single application. This led to a much higher cost in time and money for a program, or severely limited availability.
Java was designed to lower the costs of programming. It offers several advantages over other languages. These include:
- Platform Independence: Rather than running completely on the platform, a Java program uses a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) that can be easily downloaded. This means any platform that can download JRE can run a Java program. Linux, Windows, Apple, smartphones, mainframe computers, and more can all use Java. Programmers using Java can write a program once and have it run on any platform that uses JRE.
- The Java Class Library: Java is not a difficult language to learn or use, but it provides a library of classes that deliver a wealth of standard utility functions. Classes can be used in programming to create objects. This library is known as the Java API. While Java uses only 50 keywords, it has thousands of classes. Using the API, you have a massive number of methods for programming. In fact, other languages use the Java API tools, including Jython, JRuby, Scala, Groovy, Redline, and Smalltalk.
- Java and Objects: Java is a fundamentally object-oriented programming language. The language uses elements known as objects for programming. Each object represents a concept or a real-world construct. Each object contains data known as a state and a behavior that can be used in tasks known as methods. For example, you could have an object known as a book. It could include data on the author and publication date. It could include methods like read or add a new chapter.
These core features in Java provide a clear advantage to programmers. It offers clear benefits over other languages with enough features and functionality to manage almost every programming need.
What Is a Java Static Keyword?
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Java static is a type of keyword in Java. It provides a non-access modifier for members that include blocks, variables, methods, and nested classes. Once a member is made static, it can be accessed before objects in its class are created without any reference to any other object.
The static member is in a class by itself and isn’t associated with any other members of the class. This means you can use and access the static member before you create the class instance.
There are multiple types of Java static members. There are differences in how they operate in Java.
1. Java Static Fields
A field in Java can be declared static using the static keyword. The position of the static keyword is interchangeable with the visibility keywords – private, protected, and public. Typically, the visibility keyword is used before the static keyword.
Another way to look at static fields is that a single instance of the field is created and is then shared by all the instances of the class. No matter how many times the class is initialized, that single, static field will be shared across them.
This means that In Java, the value of a static field is the same across all instances of a class. For example, if you have a class in Java with a static field called Name, then all objects in that class will have the same value in the field Name.
Typically, Java static fields are used when the value of a variable is shared across all objects. It is also used when the value is independent of the object or objects. Also, static field variables may only be declared at the class level, and do not require object initializations. They are accessed directly using the class name.
In most cases, the static field is created when the class is first loaded in Java. This occurs when the first static member in the class is referred to, or when the class is first created. The Metaspace stores the static variables In JVM (Java Virtual Machine).
2. Java Static Method
A method can also be declared using the static keyword. Static methods are linked to the class, and not a specific object in the class. This allows you to create an object from the class without having identified the static method defined by the class.
Typically, Java static methods are used by operations that can be performed independently of instance creations. This means code that is written and shared across all instances of a class. Java static methods are often used in creating helper and utility classes.
An important rule for static methods is that you can access a nonstatic field or nonstatic method using a static method. The static method will not have an instance of the class to reference the methods or fields. Also, note that static methods are implemented when they are compiled. Since you will override the method as part of Runtime Polymorphism, you cannot override static methods.
One common use for a Java static method is Main. Main is used by Java runtime to start an application. This method is static, so applications running Main use the static method automatically.
3. Java Static Block
A Java static block is used to initialize static variables. When a static variable uses additional, multi-statement logic, it is best to use a static block. For example, when you want to use pre-defined values before initializing a list object, then a static block will allow you to initialize the variables with the declaration.
Static blocks are a powerful tool for initializing static variables that may be error-prone and require additional exception handling, or when the static variables require additional logic.
In Java, a class can use multiple static blocks for initializing static variables.
4. Java Static Class
Java is a little different than many programming languages.
One feature of Java is the ability to create classes within classes. This is an excellent way to group elements that may be used only occasionally. It reduces the complexity of the code, making it both readable and orderly.
Creating a class within a class can be accomplished using nested classes that are static. These are called static nested classes. When a nested class is declared static, it can only access static members in the outer class. In this way, they behave like other top-level classes except that they can only be accessed by the enclosing class.
Nested classes that aren’t static are called inner classes. Inner classes can access and use all members of the enclosing class.
Typically, static nested classes are used near the class that will use it. Grouping them together increases readability and reduces the strain on system memory. Also, please note that a top-level class cannot be declared as static. Only nested classes can be declared static. They cannot access any instance members except through an object reference.
A Final Word on Java Static
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Java was first released in 1996. It is more than 20 years old, and yet it continues to be a popular and powerful programming language. It not only endures but thrives as a powerful tool for programmers across the world and in almost every industry and vertical.
Other languages have fought for the top position, languages like C++. There are places where another programming language will deliver greater value. C++ continues to have a place in gaming, mainly because of the high hardware performance it offers, and the control of resources C++ can deliver.
There are languages growing in popularity, like Ruby and Python which are popular in building websites. Ruby and Python handle and automate many of the repetitive tasks in programming, making them extremely easy to use.
No other language has had the continued popularity and widespread use of Java. An important reason for the popularity of Java is the practical nature of the language, and the reliability and performance of the programming. Java static keywords are an example of this practicality and performance.
Java static keywords eliminate the need for repetitive coding for repeated variables. Static keywords reduce the burden and weight on system memory. It’s another example of how Java can deliver programming results quickly and easily. Java reduces the strain on resources, both memory and system processing, and the programmer.
If you are a Java programming, consider how Java static keywords can benefit your work.
What do you think?