Static vs Instance Members - Learning Module

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When to Use Static — Design Criteria and Patterns

The Design Decision

Every time you add a field or method to a class, you face a fundamental design question: should this be static or instance? This isn't merely a syntactic choice—it's a design decision with far-reaching implications for testability, flexibility, and maintainability.

Beginners often treat static as a convenient shortcut. Senior engineers view it as a precise tool with specific applications. The difference lies in understanding the criteria that make static appropriate—or inappropriate—for a given situation.

This page provides the decision framework you need to make informed static-vs-instance choices, covering the principles that guide experienced architects and the patterns that emerge from those principles.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this page, you will have a systematic framework for deciding when static is appropriate. You'll understand the trade-offs in testability, coupling, and flexibility. You'll recognize common patterns where static excels and anti-patterns where it fails. Most importantly, you'll think like an architect about global vs local concerns.

The Core Decision Question

At its heart, the static-vs-instance decision comes down to one question:

Does this member conceptually belong to individual objects, or to the class as a whole?

This sounds simple, but applying it correctly requires examining multiple dimensions of your design:

Ask These Sub-Questions:

Decision Criteria

•Does this data vary per object? If every User has their own email, that's instance. If all Users share the same validation regex, that's static.
•Does this operation need object state? If calculating tax needs the specific invoice's amount, that's instance. If parsing a date string needs no object context, that's static.
•Could there be multiple configurations? If you might need different loggers for different contexts, that argues against static. If Math.PI is always 3.14159..., static is perfect.
•Would making this substitutable improve testing? If you want to mock this behavior in tests, static makes that harder. Instance members with interfaces are easier to substitute.
•Is this utility behavior or domain behavior? Pure utility functions (string manipulation, math) suit static. Domain operations (process payment, send notification) often shouldn't be static.

decision_examples
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public class InvoiceService {
    
    // STATIC: Pure calculation, no object state needed
    // Same formula regardless of context
    public static double calculateTaxRate(String state) {
        return TAX_RATES.getOrDefault(state, 0.0);
    }
    
    // INSTANCE: Needs collaborators that might vary
    // In tests, we want to substitute the emailSender
    private final EmailSender emailSender;
    private final InvoiceRepository repository;
    
    public void sendInvoice(Invoice invoice) {
        // This operation uses injected dependencies
        String pdf = generatePdf(invoice);
        emailSender.send(invoice.getCustomerEmail(), pdf);
        repository.markAsSent(invoice.getId());
    }
}
 
public class StringUtils {
    
    // STATIC: Pure function - output depends only on input
    // No possible need for different implementations
    public static boolean isBlank(String str) {
        return str == null || str.trim().isEmpty();
    }
    
    // STATIC: Stateless transformation
    // Never a reason for per-instance variation
    public static String capitalize(String str) {
        if (isBlank(str)) return str;
        return Character.toUpperCase(str.charAt(0)) + 
               str.substring(1).toLowerCase();
    }
}
 
public class User {
    
    // INSTANCE: Every user has their own email
    private String email;
    
    // STATIC: Validation rules are shared by all users
    private static final Pattern EMAIL_PATTERN = 
        Pattern.compile("^[A-Za-z0-9+_.-]+@[A-Za-z0-9.-]+$");
    
    // STATIC: Validation doesn't need instance state
    public static boolean isValidEmail(String email) {
        return email != null && EMAIL_PATTERN.matcher(email).matches();
    }
    
    // INSTANCE: Needs THIS user's email
    public void updateEmail(String newEmail) {
        if (!isValidEmail(newEmail)) {
            throw new IllegalArgumentException("Invalid email");
        }
        this.email = newEmail;  // Modifies THIS user's field
    }
}

When in Doubt, Start Instance

If you're unsure, prefer instance members. You can always extract to static later if the member proves to be truly independent of object state. Going the other direction—converting static to instance—often requires significant refactoring of callers.

The Testability Dimension

One of the most important considerations in the static-vs-instance decision is testability. Static members create global state and fixed behavior that can make unit testing difficult or impossible.

The Testing Challenge:

When code calls a static method, that call is hardcoded at compile time. You cannot substitute a mock or fake implementation without special frameworks. This creates problems when:

•The static method has side effects: File I/O, network calls, database access. Tests become slow, flaky, and dependent on external state.
•The static method returns non-deterministic results: Current time, random numbers, environment variables. Tests become unpredictable.
•You want to verify interactions: Did the code call the logger? With what arguments? Static calls are invisible to mocking frameworks.
•You need different behavior in tests: Simulate errors, edge cases, specific scenarios. Static behavior is fixed.

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// HARD TO TEST: Static dependencies
 
public class OrderProcessor {
    public void processOrder(Order order) {
        // How do we test without
        // hitting the real database?
        Database.save(order);
        
        // How do we test without
        // sending real emails?
        EmailService.send(
            order.getCustomerEmail(),
            "Order confirmed"
        );
        
        // How do we control "now"
        // in tests?
        order.setProcessedAt(
            LocalDateTime.now()
        );
        
        // How do we test behavior
        // without file I/O?
        Logger.log("Order processed");
    }
}

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// EASY TO TEST: Injected dependencies
 
public class OrderProcessor {
    private final OrderRepository repo;
    private final EmailSender email;
    private final Clock clock;
    private final Logger logger;
    
    public OrderProcessor(
        OrderRepository repo,
        EmailSender email,
        Clock clock,
        Logger logger
    ) {
        this.repo = repo;
        this.email = email;
        this.clock = clock;
        this.logger = logger;
    }
    
    public void processOrder(Order order) {
        // All dependencies are mockable!
        repo.save(order);
        email.send(
            order.getCustomerEmail(),
            "Order confirmed"
        );
        order.setProcessedAt(clock.now());
        logger.log("Order processed");
    }
}

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// Test for the dependency-injected version
@Test
public void processOrder_sendsConfirmationEmail() {
    // Arrange: Create mocks
    OrderRepository mockRepo = mock(OrderRepository.class);
    EmailSender mockEmail = mock(EmailSender.class);
    Clock fixedClock = Clock.fixed(Instant.parse("2024-01-15T10:00:00Z"), ZoneId.UTC);
    Logger mockLogger = mock(Logger.class);
    
    OrderProcessor processor = new OrderProcessor(
        mockRepo, mockEmail, fixedClock, mockLogger
    );
    
    Order order = new Order("customer@example.com");
    
    // Act
    processor.processOrder(order);
    
    // Assert: Verify interactions
    verify(mockEmail).send("customer@example.com", "Order confirmed");
    verify(mockRepo).save(order);
    assertEquals(LocalDateTime.of(2024, 1, 15, 10, 0), order.getProcessedAt());
}
 
// This test is:
// ✓ Fast (no real I/O)
// ✓ Reliable (deterministic)
// ✓ Isolated (no external dependencies)
// ✓ Verifiable (can check interactions)

When Static Testing Is Fine

Not all static methods cause testing problems. Pure functions—deterministic operations with no side effects—are trivially testable: just call them and assert on the return value. StringUtils.capitalize('hello') is perfectly testable. The problems arise with static methods that have side effects or depend on external state.

When Static Is The Right Choice

Despite the testability concerns, there are legitimate use cases where static is not just acceptable but preferable. Recognizing these patterns helps you use static appropriately.

Criteria for Appropriate Static Usage:

Static Appropriateness Criteria
Criterion	Why Static Works	Examples
True Constants	Value never changes, by definition	`Math.PI`, `Integer.MAX_VALUE`, `HttpStatus.OK`
Pure Utility Functions	No state, deterministic, no side effects	`Math.abs()`, `Arrays.sort()`, `Objects.hash()`
Factory Methods	Creates instances but needs no instance state	`List.of()`, `Optional.empty()`, `BigDecimal.valueOf()`
Type Conversions	Input→output transformation, no context needed	`Integer.parseInt()`, `String.valueOf()`, `UUID.fromString()`
Namespace Organization	Groups related functions under a class name	`Files.read()`, `Paths.get()`, `Collections.sort()`

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// === TRUE CONSTANTS ===
// These never change. Static is the only sensible choice.
public final class PhysicalConstants {
    public static final double SPEED_OF_LIGHT = 299_792_458.0;  // m/s
    public static final double GRAVITATIONAL_CONSTANT = 6.67430e-11;
    public static final double PLANCK_CONSTANT = 6.62607015e-34;
    
    private PhysicalConstants() {} // Prevent instantiation
}
 
// === PURE UTILITY FUNCTIONS ===
// No state, deterministic, trivially testable.
public final class MathUtils {
    public static int gcd(int a, int b) {
        while (b != 0) {
            int temp = b;
            b = a % b;
            a = temp;
        }
        return Math.abs(a);
    }
    
    public static long factorial(int n) {
        if (n < 0) throw new IllegalArgumentException("n must be >= 0");
        long result = 1;
        for (int i = 2; i <= n; i++) {
            result *= i;
        }
        return result;
    }
    
    public static boolean isPrime(int n) {
        if (n < 2) return false;
        if (n == 2) return true;
        if (n % 2 == 0) return false;
        for (int i = 3; i * i <= n; i += 2) {
            if (n % i == 0) return false;
        }
        return true;
    }
    
    private MathUtils() {}
}
 
// === FACTORY METHODS ===
// Creates instances but doesn't need instance state to do so.
public final class HttpResponse {
    private final int status;
    private final String body;
    
    private HttpResponse(int status, String body) {
        this.status = status;
        this.body = body;
    }
    
    public static HttpResponse ok(String body) {
        return new HttpResponse(200, body);
    }
    
    public static HttpResponse notFound() {
        return new HttpResponse(404, "Not Found");
    }
    
    public static HttpResponse serverError(String message) {
        return new HttpResponse(500, message);
    }
}
 
// === NAMESPACE ORGANIZATION ===
// Groups related operations. No shared state.
public final class Strings {
    public static boolean isEmpty(String s) {
        return s == null || s.isEmpty();
    }
    
    public static String nullToEmpty(String s) {
        return s == null ? "" : s;
    }
    
    public static String emptyToNull(String s) {
        return isEmpty(s) ? null : s;
    }
    
    public static String truncate(String s, int maxLength) {
        if (s == null || s.length() <= maxLength) return s;
        return s.substring(0, maxLength) + "...";
    }
    
    private Strings() {}
}

The Utility Class Pattern

When a class exists only to provide static methods (like MathUtils above), follow these conventions: (1) make the class final to prevent subclassing, (2) add a private constructor to prevent instantiation, (3) make all methods static, (4) ensure the class is stateless (no mutable static fields).

When Instance Is The Right Choice

Just as there are clear cases for static, there are clear cases where instance members are the appropriate choice. Understanding these criteria helps avoid the static trap—overusing static because it seems simpler.

Criteria for Instance Usage:

Instance Appropriateness Criteria
Criterion	Why Instance Works	Examples
Per-Object State	Each instance holds unique data	`user.getName()`, `order.getTotal()`, `connection.getTimeout()`
Configurable Behavior	Same operation, different settings	Logger with configurable level, HttpClient with timeout settings
External Dependencies	Needs services that should be mockable	Repository, EmailSender, PaymentGateway
Polymorphic Behavior	Subclasses override methods	Shape.calculateArea() with Circle, Rectangle subclasses
Stateful Operations	Behavior depends on accumulated state	Iterator, Builder, Stream

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// === PER-OBJECT STATE ===
// Each shopping cart has its own items
public class ShoppingCart {
    private final List<CartItem> items = new ArrayList<>();
    private String customerNote;
    
    public void addItem(Product product, int quantity) {
        items.add(new CartItem(product, quantity));
    }
    
    public BigDecimal getTotal() {
        return items.stream()
            .map(CartItem::getSubtotal)
            .reduce(BigDecimal.ZERO, BigDecimal::add);
    }
}
 
// === CONFIGURABLE BEHAVIOR ===
// Different instances have different configurations
public class RetryPolicy {
    private final int maxAttempts;
    private final Duration initialDelay;
    private final double backoffMultiplier;
    
    public RetryPolicy(int maxAttempts, Duration initialDelay, double backoffMultiplier) {
        this.maxAttempts = maxAttempts;
        this.initialDelay = initialDelay;
        this.backoffMultiplier = backoffMultiplier;
    }
    
    // Same logic, but uses instance configuration
    public <T> T execute(Supplier<T> action) throws Exception {
        int attempt = 0;
        Duration delay = initialDelay;
        
        while (attempt < maxAttempts) {
            try {
                return action.get();
            } catch (Exception e) {
                attempt++;
                if (attempt >= maxAttempts) throw e;
                Thread.sleep(delay.toMillis());
                delay = delay.multipliedBy((long) backoffMultiplier);
            }
        }
        throw new IllegalStateException("Unreachable");
    }
}
 
// Usage: Different policies for different scenarios
RetryPolicy aggressiveRetry = new RetryPolicy(10, Duration.ofMillis(100), 1.5);
RetryPolicy conservativeRetry = new RetryPolicy(3, Duration.ofSeconds(1), 2.0);
 
// === EXTERNAL DEPENDENCIES ===
// Dependencies are injected, making testing easy
public class PaymentService {
    private final PaymentGateway gateway;      // Mockable
    private final TransactionRepository repo;  // Mockable
    private final EventPublisher events;       // Mockable
    
    public PaymentService(PaymentGateway gateway, 
                          TransactionRepository repo,
                          EventPublisher events) {
        this.gateway = gateway;
        this.repo = repo;
        this.events = events;
    }
    
    public PaymentResult processPayment(PaymentRequest request) {
        PaymentResult result = gateway.charge(request);
        repo.save(new Transaction(request, result));
        events.publish(new PaymentProcessedEvent(result));
        return result;
    }
}
 
// === POLYMORPHIC BEHAVIOR ===
// Subclasses provide different implementations
public abstract class Shape {
    public abstract double calculateArea();
    public abstract double calculatePerimeter();
}
 
public class Circle extends Shape {
    private final double radius;
    
    public Circle(double radius) { this.radius = radius; }
    
    @Override
    public double calculateArea() {
        return Math.PI * radius * radius;
    }
    
    @Override
    public double calculatePerimeter() {
        return 2 * Math.PI * radius;
    }
}
 
public class Rectangle extends Shape {
    private final double width, height;
    
    public Rectangle(double width, double height) {
        this.width = width;
        this.height = height;
    }
    
    @Override
    public double calculateArea() {
        return width * height;
    }
    
    @Override
    public double calculatePerimeter() {
        return 2 * (width + height);
    }
}

The Hidden State Trap

Sometimes what looks like a stateless utility actually has hidden state requirements. A 'simple' email validator might eventually need configuration for allowed domains. A 'pure' calculation might need locale-specific formatting. When business logic is involved, favor instance methods with injected configuration—you'll thank yourself when requirements change.

Common Static Anti-Patterns

Understanding anti-patterns helps you recognize poor design choices—whether in code you inherit or temptations in your own designs.

Anti-Pattern 1: The God Utility Class

A single class with hundreds of static methods covering unrelated functionality. Signs: methods dealing with strings, dates, files, HTTP, database, all in one class.

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// ANTI-PATTERN: God Utility Class
public class Utils {
    public static String formatDate(Date d) { ... }
    public static int parseInt(String s) { ... }
    public static void sendEmail(String to, String body) { ... }
    public static String readFile(String path) { ... }
    public static Connection getDbConnection() { ... }
    public static String encryptPassword(String pw) { ... }
    public static void logError(String msg) { ... }
    // ... hundreds more unrelated methods
}
 
// BETTER: Separate focused utility classes
public final class DateUtils { ... }
public final class StringUtils { ... }
public final class FileUtils { ... }
 
// And inject actual services
public class EmailService { ... }
public class DatabaseConnectionPool { ... }
public class PasswordEncoder { ... }

Anti-Pattern 2: Mutable Static State

Static fields that change during program execution. This creates global mutable state—the root of countless bugs.

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// ANTI-PATTERN: Mutable Static State
public class CurrentUser {
    private static User currentUser;  // Global mutable state!
    
    public static void setCurrentUser(User user) {
        currentUser = user;  // Any code can change this
    }
    
    public static User getCurrentUser() {
        return currentUser;  // Any code can read this
    }
}
 
// Problems:
// 1. Thread safety: Multiple threads reading/writing
// 2. Testing: Tests affect each other through shared state
// 3. Hidden dependency: Methods secretly depend on this global
// 4. Lifetime issues: When should this be null vs set?
 
// BETTER: Explicit context passing
public class RequestHandler {
    public void handle(Request request, User currentUser) {
        // User is explicitly passed, not secretly accessed
        processFor(currentUser);
    }
}
 
// OR: Scoped context (e.g., ThreadLocal in web apps)
public class RequestContext {
    private static final ThreadLocal<User> currentUser = new ThreadLocal<>();
    
    public static void setForRequest(User user) {
        currentUser.set(user);
    }
    
    public static User get() {
        return currentUser.get();
    }
    
    public static void clear() {
        currentUser.remove();  // Call at end of each request!
    }
}

Anti-Pattern 3: Static Service Methods

Using static methods for operations that should be service classes with injectable dependencies.

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// ANTI-PATTERN: Static Service Methods
public class OrderService {
    public static Order createOrder(Customer customer, List<Product> products) {
        // How do we mock the database in tests?
        Order order = new Order(customer, products);
        Database.save(order);  // Static call!
        
        // How do we mock notification service?
        NotificationService.sendOrderConfirmation(order);  // Static call!
        
        // How do we mock inventory?
        InventoryService.reserveProducts(products);  // Static call!
        
        return order;
    }
}
 
// BETTER: Instance service with injected dependencies
public class OrderService {
    private final OrderRepository orderRepository;
    private final NotificationService notifications;
    private final InventoryService inventory;
    
    public OrderService(OrderRepository orderRepository,
                        NotificationService notifications,
                        InventoryService inventory) {
        this.orderRepository = orderRepository;
        this.notifications = notifications;
        this.inventory = inventory;
    }
    
    public Order createOrder(Customer customer, List<Product> products) {
        // All dependencies are mockable!
        Order order = new Order(customer, products);
        orderRepository.save(order);
        notifications.sendOrderConfirmation(order);
        inventory.reserveProducts(products);
        return order;
    }
}

The 'Singleton Through Statics' Trap

Sometimes developers simulate singletons with static methods instead of proper dependency injection. This gives all the problems of singletons (global state, tight coupling) without any of the benefits (at least traditional singletons can be substituted in tests). Prefer dependency injection frameworks over static 'service locators'.

Design Patterns Involving Static

Several well-established design patterns make intentional use of static members. Understanding these patterns helps you recognize when static is part of a deliberate architecture.

Pattern 1: Static Factory Method

We covered this earlier, but it's worth emphasizing as the most common appropriate use of static methods in OOP.

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// PATTERN: Static Factory Method
public final class Duration {
    private final long seconds;
    private final int nanos;
    
    private Duration(long seconds, int nanos) {
        this.seconds = seconds;
        this.nanos = nanos;
    }
    
    // Named factories - clear what time unit is expected
    public static Duration ofSeconds(long seconds) {
        return new Duration(seconds, 0);
    }
    
    public static Duration ofMinutes(long minutes) {
        return new Duration(minutes * 60, 0);
    }
    
    public static Duration ofMillis(long millis) {
        long secs = millis / 1000;
        int nos = (int) ((millis % 1000) * 1_000_000);
        return new Duration(secs, nos);
    }
    
    // Can return cached instances
    private static final Duration ZERO = new Duration(0, 0);
    
    public static Duration zero() {
        return ZERO;  // Same instance every time
    }
}

Pattern 2: Flyweight

Static fields cache and share immutable objects, reducing memory usage when many objects would have identical data.

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// PATTERN: Flyweight
public final class Color {
    private final int red, green, blue;
    
    // Flyweight cache - shared instances for common colors
    private static final Map<String, Color> CACHE = new ConcurrentHashMap<>();
    
    // Pre-cached common colors
    public static final Color WHITE = new Color(255, 255, 255);
    public static final Color BLACK = new Color(0, 0, 0);
    public static final Color RED = new Color(255, 0, 0);
    public static final Color GREEN = new Color(0, 255, 0);
    public static final Color BLUE = new Color(0, 0, 255);
    
    static {
        CACHE.put("WHITE", WHITE);
        CACHE.put("BLACK", BLACK);
        CACHE.put("RED", RED);
        CACHE.put("GREEN", GREEN);
        CACHE.put("BLUE", BLUE);
    }
    
    private Color(int red, int green, int blue) {
        this.red = red;
        this.green = green;
        this.blue = blue;
    }
    
    public static Color of(int red, int green, int blue) {
        String key = red + "," + green + "," + blue;
        return CACHE.computeIfAbsent(key, k -> new Color(red, green, blue));
    }
    
    public static Color named(String name) {
        Color color = CACHE.get(name.toUpperCase());
        if (color == null) {
            throw new IllegalArgumentException("Unknown color: " + name);
        }
        return color;
    }
}
 
// Usage: Same object returned for same values
Color white1 = Color.named("WHITE");
Color white2 = Color.named("WHITE");
System.out.println(white1 == white2);  // true - same instance

Pattern 3: Registry

Static map stores named components that can be looked up globally.

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// PATTERN: Registry
public final class EventHandlerRegistry {
    private static final Map<Class<?>, EventHandler<?>> HANDLERS = 
        new ConcurrentHashMap<>();
    
    public static <E> void register(Class<E> eventType, EventHandler<E> handler) {
        HANDLERS.put(eventType, handler);
    }
    
    @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
    public static <E> EventHandler<E> getHandler(Class<E> eventType) {
        return (EventHandler<E>) HANDLERS.get(eventType);
    }
    
    public static <E> void dispatch(E event) {
        @SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
        EventHandler<E> handler = (EventHandler<E>) HANDLERS.get(event.getClass());
        if (handler != null) {
            handler.handle(event);
        }
    }
    
    private EventHandlerRegistry() {}
}
 
// Usage: Register handlers at startup
EventHandlerRegistry.register(UserCreatedEvent.class, new UserCreatedHandler());
EventHandlerRegistry.register(OrderPlacedEvent.class, new OrderPlacedHandler());
 
// Dispatch events anywhere in the application
EventHandlerRegistry.dispatch(new UserCreatedEvent(user));

Registry Pattern Caution

While the Registry pattern uses static, it's often better implemented with dependency injection in modern applications. A DI-managed registry is easier to test (you can inject test registries) and avoids the global state problems. Use static registries judiciously, typically for truly application-global cross-cutting concerns.

Decision Flowchart

Let's synthesize the criteria into a practical decision process. Ask these questions in order:

Converting Mermaid diagram...

Quick Reference Questions

•Per-object data? → Instance
•Side effects (I/O, network, state)? → Usually Instance (injectable)
•Constant value? → Static final
•Pure function (deterministic, no side effects)? → Static
•Needs to be mocked in tests? → Instance
•Behavior might vary by configuration? → Instance
•Factory method? → Static
•Utility namespace? → Static (but stateless)

The Default Rule

When in doubt: make it instance. You can always refactor to static later if the member proves to be truly independent. The reverse refactoring—static to instance—often requires changing all callers.

Summary: When to Use Static

We've developed a comprehensive framework for the static-vs-instance decision. Here are the key takeaways:

Key Takeaways

•The core question is ownership — Does the data/behavior belong to individual objects, or to the class concept itself?
•Testability is a major factor — Static methods with side effects are hard to mock. Prefer instance methods with injectable dependencies for testable code.
•Static excels for constants and pure functions — Fixed values and deterministic calculations are ideal static candidates.
•Instance excels for configurable, stateful, polymorphic behavior — When you need variation, testing flexibility, or inheritance, use instance members.
•Avoid mutable static state — Global mutable state causes threading bugs and testing nightmares. If static, make it final and immutable.
•Recognize the patterns — Factory methods, flyweight, and registries are legitimate uses of static. God utilities and static services are anti-patterns.

What's Next:

Now that you know when to use static, the final page examines the limitations of static methods—what they cannot do, and the constraints that make instance methods necessary for certain designs.

Page Complete

You now have a decision framework for choosing between static and instance members. You understand the testability implications, recognize appropriate use cases, and can identify anti-patterns. Next, we'll explore the inherent limitations of static methods.