static initializers

[jonas okwara]

Please could someone explain to me what static initializer is in this example:

class Test {

int a = 20;

static {
int b = 10;

}

[Emilio Botella]

In static block you've declarated a local variable, you may use it within a loop, for example to initiate others static variables.

[marc weber]

Static variables are initialized and static block is executed at class load time, which occurs either when the first object of that class is created or when a static member of the class is accessed (even if no object is created). If an object is being created, then instance variables are initialized and non-static initializer block is executed. After this, the body of the constructor executes.

See thread: http://www.coderanch.com/t/246269/java-programmer-SCJP/certification/Initializers

However, as Emilio pointed out, your int b is local to the block. If you want it accessible as a class variable, then you need to declare it as static outside of that block, even if you're going to initialize it using a static block.

class Test {
  int a = 20;
  static int b;
 
  static {
    b = 10;
  }
}

( Barry change static b; to static int b; )

[ September 10, 2004: Message edited by: Barry Gaunt ]

Thanks, Barry...
[ September 10, 2004: Message edited by: marc weber ]