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Paul Victorey · 12-30-2000, 03:37 AM

I don't see why you need to use the static keyword at all... Maybe I'm not thinking right as it's 3:30 AM here, but I don't think I've ever seen static variables used outside of a class/struct.

The only reason I know of to use static variables is, when used before a data member in a class, it forces the value of that data member to be the same amongst all instances of the class. I.e., if you use this code:



class MyClass{

    public static int data;

};



MyClass myObject1;

MyClass myObject2;



//At this point, myObject1.data and myObject2.data must

//always be the same, as they are 2 ways to refer to the

//same variable.

By definition any global variable will always act this way -- as there can be only one instance of the global variable -- so what, then, is the static supposed to do, anyhow? Maybe if I knew why you needed it, I could offer more advice.

(Sorry, BTW, if this makes no sense, or is really dumb. It's 3:30 AM, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it)

[Edited by Paul Victorey on 12-30-2000 at 04:40 AM]

12-30-2000, 03:37 AM	#4
Paul Victorey Member (12 bit) Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: MN or WI Posts: 3,017	I don't see why you need to use the static keyword at all... Maybe I'm not thinking right as it's 3:30 AM here, but I don't think I've ever seen static variables used outside of a class/struct. The only reason I know of to use static variables is, when used before a data member in a class, it forces the value of that data member to be the same amongst all instances of the class. I.e., if you use this code: class MyClass{ public static int data; }; MyClass myObject1; MyClass myObject2; //At this point, myObject1.data and myObject2.data must //always be the same, as they are 2 ways to refer to the //same variable. By definition any global variable will always act this way -- as there can be only one instance of the global variable -- so what, then, is the static supposed to do, anyhow? Maybe if I knew why you needed it, I could offer more advice. (Sorry, BTW, if this makes no sense, or is really dumb. It's 3:30 AM, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it) [Edited by Paul Victorey on 12-30-2000 at 04:40 AM] __________________ Paul M. Victorey ------------------ I am not responsible for any problems that may arise as a result of following my advice. This includes, but is not limited to, computer failure, loss of data, nuclear war, famine, boils, no clean laundry, your daughter running off with a biker gang, or armageddon. Take my advice at your own risk.