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

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

Static methods are great for utility functions. They should be used when you don't need to access instance data.

Can you give me an example of when to use a static method?

Sure! A common use case is a method that performs a calculation, like a math utility class with methods like Math.max().

Are there any downsides to using static methods?

Yes, static methods can make unit testing harder and can lead to less flexible code since they can't be overridden.

How do static methods affect object-oriented principles?

They can violate encapsulation if overused, as they don't operate on instance data and can lead to procedural code.