2

I was using static variables in few of my screens. Seeing this, I was advised by my senior not to use them as they hinder performance. FYI, I am working on MVC application.

What I got as an alternative is using Session variable. But I am not sure about using it instead for which I want your advise. Is Session variable the right choice or not? If not, what is the better option.
Please suggest.

Improve this question
11
  • What are you storing in the variables, is the data stored per user or per application? Commented Nov 29, 2012 at 15:47
  • Data stored is an integer. Its scope is within a controller. Commented Nov 29, 2012 at 15:49
  • 1
    @Nitish: If its scope is within a controller, then why are you storing it in a static? Commented Nov 29, 2012 at 15:50
  • Because there are various actions during the cycle. for example Search, Remove after which the page is reloaded. Commented Nov 29, 2012 at 15:52
  • Session content is effectively (if not actually) static already. Both are means of having effectively global state, and both should only be used when you are actually storing information that need to be global, rather than something you just don't want to bother scoping locally. Commented Nov 29, 2012 at 15:53

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3

Knowing very little how you are using this variable, I'd say stay away from static variables not because of performance but mostly because of concurrency. Using session variables will guarantee isolation for each user, unless you do want values to be shared across users.

Performance wise static variables will be faster simply because there is no need to serialize them to and from session (less much so if you are using in process session management.)

Improve this answer
Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

5 Comments

I was not aware of that. Thanks.
A good example of something you might actually want to store as a static variable is a synchronization mechanism. If you need to synchronize access to...something, you may need a static object to lock on. That would be an example of an appropriate use of static (although one you'd still want to avoid if possible).
@Servy - he is using it for an int value so that would not be appropriate for locking.
@OtávioDécio Correct, I'm just giving one example (clearly not applicable here) in which you may prefer a static variable over session content. In the OP's case he may not want either; we have no way of knowing.
That's very true, there is very little information in the question. I just find it hard to justify using static for performance alone, I can't see where that would be an issue for a single integer variable.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Start asking to get answers

Find the answer to your question by asking.

Ask question

Explore related questions

See similar questions with these tags.