Method-Local Static Inner Class

Is it possible to define as static an inner class that is declared within a method?

No, a local class of a non-static method always is non-static, as far as I know.

Just as Ilja has said, it's not possible to delcare a local class with a static modifer. See Jave Language Specification 14.3 Local Class Declarations for explanation.

Joyce's short answer is all you really need here. But Ilja's post would seem to raise the question: what about a local class declared in a static method? Answer: this is also non-static. You can't declare it as static, and it's not implicitly static, therefore it's still an inner class (just like a local class in a nonstatic method). However a local class declared in a static method is considered to be in a static context. Such a class is like a static nested class in that it has no access to nonstatic members of the enclosing class, and no access to a "this" reference for the enclosing class. (I.e. no OuterClass.this may be used.) However a local class in a static context is still considered an inner class, and shares other characteristics and limitations of inner classes - such as not being allowed to declare static members.

So, a local class in a static method is sort of a cross between a static nested class and a "traditional" (completely nonstatic) inner class. The JLS chose to describe it as an inner class with special rules. Which means, among other things, you can never declare a local class as static, even if it's declared inside a static method.

Jim, thanks for the clarification!

Thanks for all the great explanations, guys!

I just passed the SCJP1.4 exam and wanted to post this appreciation note to thank everyone who helped me understand Java a little better. Without your help this personal achievement wouldn't be possible.