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Hi, Iam learning java and I confused with the concept of static modifier. I was hoping if anyone can clarify my doubt. class StaticTest { static int y; int x; static void method() { static int a=10; int b=30; System.out.println("a "+a+"b "+b); System.out.println("y "+y+"x "+x); } This is giving me a compilation error because I defined a static variable in a static method. Why cann't I declare a static variable in a static method. Summer
AFAIK, you cannot declare static variables in the method scope. They can only appear in the class scope. That's the rule! Ajith
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summer_gsr
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Joined: Jan 12, 2001
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Ajith, Iam a beginner and Iam kind of confused here. Can you please explain the actual reason why I cann't declare static variables in methods. I understand that it is a rule but why? Thank You, Summer
Summer, static variables and methods are class members. Only one copy exists for the entire class. In your example <code>static void method()</code> only one copy of the method and all it's variable exists; so declaring a static variable in the method would be redundant. Hope that helps. Jane
Jane, Thank you, Iam now clear why they shouldn't be declared in a method it is because static variables and methods are class members and declaring them in method is just further restricting them and so they will be a complilation problem. Thanks, Summer
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