Understanding the Difference Between Class Methods and Instance Methods in Java

Understanding Class Methods and Instance Methods in Java

A class in Java is a blueprint or template which defines the data and behavior associated with a type. It’s a collection of variables and methods to represent the abstract characteristics of the class.

In Java, there are two types of methods – class methods and instance methods. This article discusses the differences between them.

Class Methods

A class method, also called a static method, is associated with a class rather than an individual object. It is declared with the keyword ‘static’. It cannot access instance variables of the class without an object reference.

Class methods are used to create utility methods that can act upon class data and don’t need access to any particular object’s data.

Instance Methods

An instance method is associated with a particular object and accessed through an object reference. It is declared without the keyword ‘static’. It can access instance variables of the class.

Instance methods are used to manipulate instance data which is unique to each object.

Summary

In Java, class methods and instance methods are two types of methods. Class methods are associated with the class itself, while instance methods are associated with individual objects.

Class methods use the keyword ‘static’ and cannot access instance variables of the class without an object reference. Instance methods do not use the keyword ‘static’ and can access instance variables of the class.