Instance vs Static Variables, Methods, Constructors? Basic understanding

[Matt Hazan]

Hello everyone.

I have a test coming up very soon and I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to explain each of the following to me in way that is easy to understand? I found some explanations online but they are a tad bit beyond my what I can comprehend as far as Java goes.

*Instance Variables (Fields)
*Instance Methods
*Static Variables (Fields)
*Static Methods
*Constructors


Thank you very much!

[Wouter Oet]

That is a very big question which isn't easy to explain. Luckily the are a lot of good tutorials out there. This is a great example. I would read that and then come back if you still have questions.

[marc weber]

To boil it down...

"instance" is associated with a specific object (i.e., an "instance" of a class).

"static" is associated with a class, regardless of how many -- if any -- instances might be created.

Constructors are code that "instantiate" (create) an Object and prepare that object for use.

But as Wouter pointed out, the implications are far reaching. Let us know if you have specific questions.

[Jesper de Jong]

From the tutorial that Wouter quoted, this part explains the difference between non-static and static members: Understanding Instance and Class Members.

And Providing Constructors for Your Classes explains constructors.