Use of static variables and functions in global scope

Question

Is there a use for flagging a variable as static, when it lies in the global scope of a .cpp file, not in a function?

Can you use the static keyword for functions as well? If yes, what is their use?

Answer 1

Yes, if you want to declare file-scope variable, then static keyword is necessary. static variables declared in one translation unit cannot be referred to from another translation unit.

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By the way, use of static keyword is deprecated in C++03.

The section $7.3.1.1/2 from the C++ Standard (2003) reads,

The use of the static keyword is deprecated when declaring objects in a namespace scope; the unnamed-namespace provides a superior alternative.

C++ prefers unnamed namespace over static keyword. See this topic:

Superiority of unnamed namespace over static?