What are static variables in C++?

What are static variables in C++?

Static variables in C++ are variables that maintain their value between function calls. They are initialized only once.

Can you give me an example of how to use a static variable?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

#include <iostream>

void counter() {
    static int count = 0; // Initialized only once
    count++;
    std::cout << "Count: " << count << std::endl;
}

int main() {
    for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++) {
        counter();
    }
    return 0;
}

This will print the count from 1 to 5.

What happens if I declare a static variable inside a function?

If you declare a static variable inside a function, it retains its value between calls to that function, unlike regular local variables.

Are there any drawbacks to using static variables?

Yes, static variables can lead to issues in multithreaded environments since they are shared across all calls to the function.