Python Static Methods

What is a Static Method in Python?

Definition:

A static method in Python is a method that belongs to a class rather than any instance of the class. It does not require access to instance (self) or class (cls) variables. It is defined using the @staticmethod decorator.

Key Features:

• Does not access or modify class/instance state
• Can be called using either the class name or instance
• Behaves like a normal function but lives in the class namespace

Syntax:

class MyClass:
    @staticmethod
    def static_function():
        # function body

Example: Static Method Usage

class Calculator:
    @staticmethod
    def add(a, b):
        return a + b

# Calling using class name
result = Calculator.add(10, 20)
print("Sum:", result)

Output:

Sum: 30

What is a Static Variable in Python?

Definition:

A static variable, also known as a class variable, is shared by all instances of a class. Unlike instance variables that are defined using self, static variables are defined inside the class but outside any method.

Example: Static Variable in Python

class Student:
    school_name = "Green Valley High"  # static variable

    def __init__(self, name):
        self.name = name  # instance variable

s1 = Student("Alice")
s2 = Student("Bob")

print(s1.school_name)
print(s2.school_name)

Output:

Green Valley High
Green Valley High

Updating Static Variable

Student.school_name = "Blue Mountain School"
print(s1.school_name)  # Blue Mountain School
print(s2.school_name)  # Blue Mountain School

Difference Between Static, Class, and Instance Methods

Example Combining All: Static Method, Static Variable, and Instance Method

class Bank:
    bank_name = "National Bank"  # static variable

    def __init__(self, holder, balance):
        self.holder = holder
        self.balance = balance

    def show_account(self):  # instance method
        print(f"{self.holder} - Balance: {self.balance}")

    @staticmethod
    def bank_info():  # static method
        print("This is a national-level bank.")

# Create accounts
acc1 = Bank("Alice", 1000)
acc2 = Bank("Bob", 2000)

acc1.show_account()
acc2.show_account()
Bank.bank_info()
print("Bank Name:", Bank.bank_name)

Output:

Alice - Balance: 1000
Bob - Balance: 2000
This is a national-level bank.
Bank Name: National Bank

Best Practices for Using Static Methods and Variables

• Use @staticmethod when your method doesn't access class or instance data
• Use static variables to store constants or shared values across instances
• Prefer instance methods when dealing with object-specific behavior