C++ Static Members

🧲 C++ Static Members – One Value for All Objects

In C++, static members belong to the class itself, not to any specific object. This means all objects share the same copy of the static member. Think of it like a shared notebook in a classroom! 📒

🔹 Static Variables Inside a Class

If you mark a variable static, all objects of that class will use the same value.

🔧 Example: Static Variable

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

class Counter {
public:
    static int count;

    Counter() {
        count++;
        cout << "Object created. Total: " << count << endl;
    }
};

int Counter::count = 0;

int main() {
    Counter a;
    Counter b;
    Counter c;

    return 0;
}
  

🧠 How It Works

• static int count; → Declaration inside the class
• int Counter::count = 0; → Definition outside the class
• All objects share the same count variable

🔹 Static Functions

Static member functions can only access static members of the class.

🔧 Example: Static Function

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

class Tool {
public:
    static int totalTools;

    static void showCount() {
        cout << "Total tools: " << totalTools << endl;
    }
};

int Tool::totalTools = 5;

int main() {
    Tool::showCount();  // No object needed

    return 0;
}
  

🧾 Quick Summary

• Static variable: Shared by all objects
• Static function: Can be called without an object
• Use ClassName::member to access them

With static members, your class becomes smarter and more memory-efficient — like giving your objects a shared brain cell! 🧠