Difference Between Static and Non-Static Methods in Java

1. Static Method in Java
2. Non-Static Method in Java
3. Difference Between Static and Non-Static Methods in Java

Static and non-static methods are elementary to comprehend. This article discusses their attributes, logical flow, and overall implementation.

Initially, we will run an example on the static method; then, we will show a simple demo on non-static. Finally, we will classify both in a table and use both in the single code block.

Static Method in Java

In Java, static is a particular reserved keyword, which allows a method to function without a class instance.

Since a static method is part of the class, we don’t need to create an instance. Let’s get to the point directly; check out the code below.

Code:

// This demo shows how you can use static methods!
public class StaticMethodDemo {
  // We define static keyword to use static method
  static void demoStaticMethod() {
    System.out.println("We can call static methods without having to create their objects");
  }

  // Function
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    demoStaticMethod(); // This calls our static method
  }
}

Output:

We can call static methods without having to create their objects

Non-Static Method in Java

The static keyword is not necessary to name a non-static method or variable. It also corresponds to a class object; therefore, you’ll need to construct an instance of the class to get access to it.

Code:

class NonStaticMethodDemo {
  public void NonStaticDemo() {
    System.out.println("This is a demonstration of a Non Static Method in Java");
  }
  public static void main(String agrs[]) {
    NonStaticMethodDemo NonSM = new NonStaticMethodDemo();

    NonSM.NonStaticDemo();
  }
}

Output:

This is a demonstration of a Non Static Method in Java

We don’t have to call the object to the static method in the previous example.

On the contrary, you can not directly call a non-static method. It will throw a compilation error.

Check the difference out in the following example.

Difference Between Static and Non-Static Methods in Java

Static methods do not need instances variable; else, you will get a compilation error. In contrast, you can call non-static methods with the instance variable.

Difference Table:

Steps of Implementation for a Code with Static and Non-Static Methods in Java

1. Class - public class DifferenceBtwStaticVsNonStaticDemo {}
2. Static vs Non-Static Variable - String demo = "Variable"; static String var = "Static Varibale";
3. Instance - DifferenceBtwStaticVsNonStaticDemo instance = new DifferenceBtwStaticVsNonStaticDemo();. We will use this instance to call IamNonStaticDemo method.
4. Static Method does not need an instance - DifferenceBtwStaticVsNonStaticDemo.DemoStatic();

Now, check the following program.

Code:

public class DifferenceBtwStaticVsNonStaticDemo { // main class
  // we will call these variables in both methods
  String demo = "Variable";
  static String var = "Static Variable";
  // main function
  public static void main(String[] args) {
    // Your code goes here
    // Creating Instance of the main class
    DifferenceBtwStaticVsNonStaticDemo instance = new DifferenceBtwStaticVsNonStaticDemo();
    // instance will call a non static method
    instance.IamNonStaticDemo();
    // Static methods do not need instance variables
    DifferenceBtwStaticVsNonStaticDemo.DemoStatic();
  }
  // This is static method
  static void DemoStatic() {
    System.out.println("Static Method:::::" + var); // static variable for static method
  }
  // This is non static method
  void IamNonStaticDemo() {
    System.out.println("Non Static Method:::::" + demo + " I can also access:::: "
        + var); // Since it is a non static method, it can access both string variables
  }

} // main class

Output:

Non Static Method:::::Variable I can also access:::: Static Variable
Static Method:::::Static Variable