Differences between static and non-static methods in Java

In Java, static and non-static methods have distinct characteristics and usage scenarios:

Static Methods:

• Defined using the static keyword.
• Belongs to the class rather than the instance of the class.
• Can be called without creating an instance of the class.
• Used for common utility methods, such as helper functions, that do not require access to instance variables.

Non-Static Methods:

• Do not use the static keyword.
• Belongs to the instance of the class and can access instance variables.
• Require an instance of the class to be created before they can be called.
• Used for behaviors that require access to instance-specific data and state.

When to use each type of method:

Use static methods when the functionality is independent of any particular instance of the class and does not rely on instance variables. Static methods are useful for common, shared behaviors that can be called directly on the class itself.

Use non-static methods when the behavior depends on the specific instance of the class and requires access to instance variables. Non-static methods are used for operations that are specific to individual objects of the class.