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static and final keywords?
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A: The static and final modifiers have quite distinct purposes in Java, though they can be used in combination to declare class constants. When the static modifier is applied to a variable or method it belongs to all instances of the class and can be referenced in a static context. In other words, the class does not have to be instantiated before the variable can be read or the method called. That means that static variables must be assigned at compile time and static methods cannot reference instance variables or call instance methods.
The final modifier can be applied to a class definition or method to prevent extension or overriding respectively. This helps the compiler optimise byte code for the class. When the final modifier is declared on a variable it means that its initial assignment will not change during the execution of the code. Final instance variables must be assigned at compile time or in the class' constructor, as in the example below.
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What is the difference between static and final keywords?