Accessing non-static nested class

Question

This may be silly to ask, but looking at following code raises a question.

public class Outer { public class Inner { public static final int variable = 100; } public static void main(String[] args) { int test = Outer.Inner.variable; // Inner Non-Static accessed // with Class reference? } }

How can the non-static nested class be accessed with a class reference?

The field variable is static, so it can be accessed. That's basically the same concept as with a top-level class. — Marco13
– Marco13, Commented May 14, 2014 at 14:30
A non-static data member can not be accessed statically. Your example; however, is of a static data member which is accessed statically. — DwB
– DwB, Commented May 14, 2014 at 14:33
My query is how can the Non Static nested class 'Inner' be accessed by outer class reference 'Outer' ('Outer.Inner'??), whereas Inner is an Instance member? — GauravS
– GauravS, Commented May 15, 2014 at 12:37

Tim B · Accepted Answer · 2014-05-14 14:30:29Z

3

The variable is static, and that is what matters. Since the variable is static you can always access it with the class reference.

answered May 14, 2014 at 14:30

Tim B

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2 Comments

GauravS Over a year ago

Thanks, my query is how can the Non Static nested class 'Inner' be accessed by outer class reference 'Outer' ('Outer.Inner'??), whereas Inner is an Instance member?

Tim B Over a year ago

Because you are access the class, not an instance of the class. The inner class exists as a class whether you create instances of it or not.

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