What are the best practices for using static classes in programming?

What are the best practices for using static classes in programming?

Static classes are used to group related methods and properties without needing an instance. Here are some best practices: 1. Use static classes for utility functions. 2. Keep them simple and focused. 3. Avoid stateful static classes to prevent unexpected behavior.

Can you give an example of a utility function in a static class?

Sure! A common example is a Math utility class with static methods like Math.max() or Math.min(), which return the maximum or minimum of given numbers without needing an instance.

What are the downsides of using static classes?

Some downsides include: 1. Limited flexibility since you can't implement interfaces. 2. Difficulty in unit testing due to tight coupling. 3. Global state issues if not managed properly.

How do static classes differ from singleton classes?

Static classes cannot be instantiated and are accessed directly via the class name, while singleton classes allow for a single instance and can implement interfaces, providing more flexibility.