Why can't static methods be abstract in Java?

java abstract-class static-methods
hhafez picture hhafez · Dec 16, 2008 · Viewed 279.3k times · Source

The question is in Java why can't I define an abstract static method? for example

abstract class foo {
    abstract void bar( ); // <-- this is ok
    abstract static void bar2(); //<-- this isn't why?
}

Answer

Tomalak picture Tomalak · Dec 16, 2008

Because "abstract" means: "Implements no functionality", and "static" means: "There is functionality even if you don't have an object instance". And that's a logical contradiction.

Related questions

Can an abstract class have a constructor?

Can an abstract class have a constructor? If so, how can it be used and for what purposes?

Read More
How should I have explained the difference between an Interface and an Abstract class?

In one of my interviews, I have been asked to explain the difference between an Interface and an Abstract class. Here's my response: Methods of a Java interface are implicitly abstract and cannot have implementations. A Java abstract class can …

Read More
Abstract class in Java

What is an "abstract class" in Java?

Read More