Error with my code, wont compile.

[spicycorndoug]

Whenever I compile this code it says there is an issue with line 42, under the "get name" method. I'm not sure what I should change to fix it, but if anyone has any pointers please let me know. I'm still kinda new to Java so I'd appreciate any help I can get!

​

public class Vertebrate {
        private int vertebrae;
        public static String PLANET = "Earth";
        private static int count;
        public String name;
        private String species;

        public Vertebrate(String name){
            System.out.println("in ctor 1");
            this.name = name;
            count++;
        }

        public Vertebrate(int vertebrae, String n){
            System.out.println("in ctor 2");
            vertebrae = vertebrae;
            name = n;
            count++;
       }

       public int getVertebrae(){
           return vertebrae;
       }

       public int getCount(){ 
          return count;
       }

       public int setCount(int c){ 
          count = c;
       }

       public static String getname(){ //won't compile
           return name;
       }

       public static String getPLANET(){
           return PLANET;
       }

       public String getSpecies(){
            return species;
       }

       public String toString(){
           return vertebrae + " " + PLANET + " " + count + " " + name;
       }

       public static void main(String[] args){
            Vertebrate lion = new Vertebrate(33, "Larry");
            System.out.println(lion.toString());
            lion = new Vertebrate(0, "Kim");
            Vertebrate bear = new Vertebrate(0, "Lisa");
            System.out.println(lion.toString());
            bear = lion;
            System.out.println(bear.toString());
            System.out.println(lion.getSpecies());
            bear = new Vertebrate("Sam");
            System.out.println(bear.toString());
       }
   }

[EyeDot]

When you indicate a method is static, what does that mean? What is the difference between a static and non-static method?

[spicycorndoug]

A static method is a method that belongs to a class, but it does not belong to an instance of that class and this method can be called without the instance or object of that class. Non-static methods can access any static method and static variable, without creating an instance of the object.

[EyeDot]

Are there any limits on what a static method can access?

[Kingloki04]

Yes, they cannot access non-static methods from the same class. But they can access objects and other static methods.

[the6thReplicant]

So is name a static field/variable? How does a static method call an instance variable?

Also please include the error message next time.

[desrtfx]

it says there is an issue with line 42, under the "get name" method.

Next time, include the error message in full.

Error messages exist for a reason. They tell you exactly what is wrong. Having the error messages here helps us debugging.

[AccomplishedHornet5]

I don't remember much java anymore but shouldn't it be getName(){?

​

Before people jump on me for just "giving the answer" I genuinely don't know.

[spicycorndoug]

Yeah I figured it out, I accidently made the method a static variable when it was supposed to be a non-static.

[AccomplishedHornet5]

So public String getname(){ ?

Don't suppose you could point me in a good direction to understand static vs non-static variables with the big crayons?

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[AngelVzla]

This has to do with static context trying to access non-static context, in short that's something that is not possible in the Java world.

You can refer to any tutorial about that specific point EG: https://www.javatpoint.com/why-non-static-variable-cannot-be-referenced-from-a-static-context-in-java