sequence of execution

[umamahesh javvadi]

hi,

i have fundamental doubt regarding sequence of execution.

when we run a Java file which is proper sequence order & why?

constructor code
initializer block
static initializer code
static methods
instance methods

can any one please explain clearly...

and also one more doubt

why this below code giving exception...what are the reasons
what modifications are needed


public class Superclass {

public void printMethod() {
System.out.println("Printed in Superclass.");
}
}

public class Subclass extends Superclass {
static Subclass s1=new Subclass();
public Subclass(){
System.out.println("Printed in Subclass constructor");
super.printMethod();
s1.printMethod();
}

public void printMethod() { //overrides printMethod in Superclass

System.out.println("Printed in Subclass");
super.printMethod();
}
public static void main(String[] args) {

Subclass s = new Subclass();
s.printMethod();
}

}
/*output

Printed in Subclass constructor
Printed in Superclass.
Exception in thread "main" java.lang.ExceptionInInitializerError
Caused by: java.lang.NullPointerException
at Subclass.<init>(Subclass.java:6)
at Subclass.<clinit>(Subclass.java:2)
*/
regards & thanks in advanced,
J.Uma mahesh

[Campbell Ritchie]

You have two queries and you ought to have started two threads.

About order of execution, no, that is not the correct order.
Static members are executed when the class is loaded; a constructor is not executed until it is called by another method.

There is lots more about it in the BCEL project manual. Go to section 2.

[Joanne Neal]

Originally posted by Campbell Ritchie:
a constructor is not executed until it is called by another method.

Constructors cannot be called by other methods. Constructors are executed when a new instance of the class is created.

[Campbell Ritchie]

Sorry, Joanne and Umamahesh, it was very sloppy writing wasn't it.

Would it be better if I said another method in another class invokes the constructor to create a new instance?

[Joanne Neal]

Not really

First the method could be in the same class - main methods often create new instances of the class they are in.

Second - the constructor does not create a new instance of an object. Once a new instance is created, the constructor is called to initialise it.