Static methods in Java - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

overview

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a static method in Java?

A static method belongs to the class rather than any object instance. It can be called without creating an object of the class.

beginner

How do you call a static method in Java?

You call a static method using the class name followed by a dot and the method name, like <code>ClassName.methodName()</code>.

intermediate

Can a static method access instance variables directly?

No, static methods cannot access instance variables directly because they do not belong to any object instance.

beginner

Why use static methods? Give a real-life example.

Static methods are useful for actions that don't need object data. For example, a Math.sqrt() method calculates square roots without needing a Math object.

advanced

What happens if you try to override a static method in Java?

Static methods cannot be overridden. If a subclass defines a static method with the same signature, it hides the superclass method instead.

How do you declare a static method in Java?

A By adding the keyword <code>static</code> before the return type

B By adding the keyword <code>final</code> before the method name

C By adding the keyword <code>void</code> before the method name

D By adding the keyword <code>public</code> after the method name

Which of these can a static method access directly?

A Instance variables

B Instance constructors

C Non-static methods

D Static variables

What is the correct way to call a static method named calculate in class Utils?

A Utils.calculate()

B new Utils().calculate()

C calculate()

D this.calculate()

Can static methods be overridden in Java?

A Only if marked final

B Yes, like instance methods

C No, they can only be hidden

D Only in abstract classes

Which keyword is NOT related to static methods?

A final

B new

C void

D static

Explain what a static method is and how it differs from an instance method.

Describe a situation where using a static method is better than an instance method.