In Java, a static class is a nested class that does not require an instance of the outer class to be instantiated. The static keyword makes the class and its members associated with the class itself rather than instances of the class.
We use static classes for several reasons:
- Memory Efficiency: Since a static class is associated with the outer class, it doesn’t require a separate object, saving memory.
- Encapsulation: It is useful when a class only needs to access static members of the outer class.
- Utility: Static classes often represent utility or helper classes (like the Math class) that provide methods without requiring instantiation.
- Inner class logic: When a nested class is only needed to perform actions on a single instance of the outer class and doesn’t require access to instance variables.
Using static classes improves structure, efficiency, and readability in large-scale programs.