What are the performance benefits of using static methods in programming?

What are the performance benefits of using static methods in programming?

Static methods can improve performance by reducing memory overhead and allowing for faster access since they don't require an instance of a class.

Can you explain how they reduce memory overhead?

Sure! Static methods belong to the class itself rather than to any specific object, which means they don't need to store instance data, saving memory.

Are there any downsides to using static methods?

Yes, static methods can limit flexibility and make unit testing harder since they can't be overridden in subclasses.

When should I prefer static methods over instance methods?

You should prefer static methods when the method's functionality doesn't depend on instance variables and can be shared across all instances.