java static class / variables

Question

Unsure about static variables.

import java.io.File;

public class Logger {
    public static final File log = new File(File.listRoots()[0], "log.log");
    public static void log (String message) {
        /* ... */
    }
}

Is the variable log pointing to the same memory throughout the life of the program? Basically is the log definition new File(File.listRoots()[0], "log.log") calculated multiple times or just one, and when?

Thanks in advance.

Bozho · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-29 21:34:06Z

11

It is invoked once per classloader. Which, normally, means once.

A static variable is initialized as soon as the class declaring it is loaded by the classloader, and stays there until the classloader is destroyed, which in most cases means - at the end of the program execution / application lifecycle.

answered Mar 29, 2012 at 21:34

Bozho

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2 Comments

Patrick Lorio Over a year ago

what if I access it like File f = Logger.log I'm creating a new instance of the class.

nicholas.hauschild Over a year ago

File f = Logger.log creates a new reference to the single file that was already instantiated.

mdakin · Accepted Answer · 2012-03-29 21:35:20Z

0

Just once. AFAIK, when class is loaded.

answered Mar 29, 2012 at 21:35

mdakin

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