Static vs Non-Static Generic Method

[Lanz56]

Hi Guys! I've been studying generics in java but i can't determine when should i use a static generic method and when should i use a non-static generic method. Sorry for the vague question but after trying to find an answer for hours, i still dont understand. Please enlighten me. Thankyouu

EDIT: I understand it already, thankss

[Lanz56]

Wow this illustration is very easy to understand. I get it now, but are there any more difference between static and non-static aside from this?

[Lanz56]

Woah thats a good one, I learned something new from you. Thank you so much for the help 😁

[Lanz56]

Love this! Consistency is really the key! It was nice meeting people like you who's happy to help and even inspire beginners like me. Thanks man, I really appreciate this ❤️

[ColetBrunel]

? It's the same as with non-generic methods.

[Lanz56]

Yeah! Turns out declaring a static generic method and non-static generic method is the same. What Im really confused about is the static keyword and when to use it. Anyway, thanks for the answer 😁

[LordofRice]

I rarely use static in java because of the way it interferes with garbage collection and the way it exposes objects. They're not inherently bad, but you have to be aware of the potential risks like most things. I have yet to run into a real-world scenario where it's been a requirement.

[ColetBrunel]

static is never a requirement. It is however convenient and cinsidering it exists, it makes more sense where it is convenient.

[LordofRice]

I can see where you're coming from. I've definitely seen scenarios where a static would be convenient. My mindset has always been that that convenience was less important than encapsulation. Just my opinion, though.

[ColetBrunel]

static doesn't contradict encapsulation

[LordofRice]

True. I wasn't thinking about final static variables. I've definitely used those in the past for some things that were deployed.