When should I use static variables in programming?

Can you explain when to use static variables in programming?

Static variables are used when you want to maintain a variable's value across function calls. They are initialized only once.

What are the benefits of using static variables?

Benefits include preserving state information, reducing memory usage, and improving performance by avoiding reinitialization.

Are there any downsides to using static variables?

Yes, they can lead to unexpected behavior in multithreaded environments and make code harder to test due to hidden state.

Can you give an example of static variable usage?

Sure! In a function that counts how many times it has been called, a static variable can keep track of that count.