Chapter 9: Problem 2

What action is possible with a static method that isn’t possible with an instance method?

Short Answer

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In summary, the main action that can be performed with a static method but not with an instance method is that it can be directly called on the class itself without creating an object of the class. Static methods are associated with the class rather than any particular instance and do not have access to instance-specific fields or methods, which makes them more efficient in certain situations.

Step by step solution

Understand Instance Methods

First, let's understand what instance methods are. Instance methods are associated with an object (an instance of a class), which means they require an object to be created in order to be used. When these methods are called, the state of the object is passed with it.

Understand Static Methods

Static methods, on the other hand, are associated with the class itself, not with any particular instance. They are created using the static keyword and are shared among all instances of the class. Since they are not associated with the state of any particular instance, they do not have access to instance-specific fields or methods.

Identify the Unique Action of Static Methods

Now, we can identify the action that is possible with a static method but not with an instance method. Static methods can be called without creating an object of the class, as they do not require an instance to be associated with them. This allows them to be used directly on the class itself, making them more efficient in certain situations.

Example of using a Static Method

For example, let's say we have a class called MathHelper with a static method called add(): ```java public class MathHelper { public static int add(int a, int b) { return a + b; } } ``` To use this static method, we can simply call it on the class itself: ```java int sum = MathHelper.add(3, 4); ``` This would not be possible with an instance method, as we would first need to create an object of the class before calling the method: ```java MathHelper mathHelper = new MathHelper(); int sum = mathHelper.add(3, 4); ``` This is an extra step and may be less efficient for methods that do not require access to instance-specific information.

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What action is possible with a static method that isn’t possible with an instance method?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Instance Methods

Understand Static Methods

Identify the Unique Action of Static Methods

Example of using a Static Method

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