Chapter 14: Problem 1

Describe the difference between an instance member variable and a static member variable.

Short Answer

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Answer: Instance member variables are variables that belong to a specific instance of an object, with each object having its own separate copy of the variable. These variables are used when you want to store information specific to each object instance. Static member variables, on the other hand, belong to the class itself and are shared among all instances of the class, making them suitable for storing information common to all objects of a class.

Step by step solution

Definition: Instance Member Variables

An instance member variable is a variable that belongs to a specific instance of an object. Each object of the same class has its own separate copy of the instance member variable. The value of this variable is distinct and independent for each object instance.

Definition: Static Member Variables

A static member variable, also known as a class variable, is a variable that belongs to the class itself, rather than the instances of the class. This means that there is only one copy of the static member variable, which is shared among all instances of the class.

Comparison: Instance vs Static Member Variables

The primary difference between an instance member variable and a static member variable is how they are associated with the class and instances. While an instance member variable has its own unique value for each object of a class, a static member variable is shared among all objects of the same class.

Usage: Instance Member Variables

Instance member variables are used when you want to store information or a state that is specific to each object instance. For example, in a class representing a car, you might have instance member variables for the current speed, make, and model of the car. As each car will have different values for these variables, it makes sense to use instance member variables.

Usage: Static Member Variables

Static member variables are used when you want to store information that is common to all objects of a class. For instance, if you have a class representing a counter, you might use a static member variable to keep track of how many counter objects have been created. Since this count is relevant to all instances of the class, it's better to use a static member variable.

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Describe the difference between an instance member variable and a static member variable.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition: Instance Member Variables

Definition: Static Member Variables

Comparison: Instance vs Static Member Variables

Usage: Instance Member Variables

Usage: Static Member Variables

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