Can I use methods of a class without instantiating this class?

java oop class methods instantiation
Roman picture Roman · Mar 6, 2010 · Viewed 77k times · Source

I have a class with several methods and there is no constructor among these methods.

So, I am wondering if it is possible to call a method of a class without a creation of an instance of the class.

For example, I can do something like that:

NameOfClass.doMethod(x1,x2,...,xn)

In general I do not see why it should be impossible. I just call a function which does something (or return some values). If it is possible, what will happen if the method sets a value for a private variable of the class. How can I reach this value? In the same way?

NameOfClass.nameOfVariable

Answer

Yoni picture Yoni · Mar 6, 2010

It's called static variables and static methods. Just try it and see that it compiles.

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