JavaScript is one of the most popular languages used by programmers all around the world. In this course, you'll be introduced to the Object-Oriented Paradigm of JavaScript. The course will discuss OOP in both, ES5 and ES6 versions of JavaScript. It begins with a basic introduction to what Object-Oriented programming is, followed by its comparison to other languages. It then introduces the new  OOP features available in ES6 version and compares it to the ES5 version. The course then discusses objects in JavaScript followed by the use of function as objects in OOP. It goes over the interesting concepts of prototype objects, data encapsulation, and classes. It then delves into the more complex concepts of inheritance in both the versions, including prototypal inheritance, prototype chaining, method overriding and mixins. The course is filled with interesting illustrations to help in your understanding of the concepts as well as numerous quizzes and exercises to help you practice.

Learn Object-Oriented Programming in JavaScript

## What are Static Methods?

Methods that we define inside the class get assigned to the prototype object of the class and belong to all the objects instances that get created from that class.

Let's consider the example of the class `Student`: 

class Student {
  constructor(name,age,sex,marks) {
    this.name = name
    this.age = age
    this.sex = sex
    this.marks = marks
  }
  //method defined in class gets assigned to the prototype of the class Students
  displayName(){
    console.log("Name is:", this.name)
  }
}
var student1 = new Student('Kate',15,'F',20)
student1.displayName()
console.log("Age:",student1.age)
console.log("Sex:",student1.sex)
console.log("Marks:",student1.marks)

The class `Student` has the method `displayName` defined. Any object instance created will inherit this method from `Student.prototype` just as `student1` inherits it.

Now, let's suppose we have multiple `Student` objects, and we need a *method* returning their count, i.e., the total number of students. Such a method, when defined inside the  `Student`, should only belong to the *class* instead of a particular object instance of it as it gives the total count of students. 

Methods that are used to implement functions belonging to a class only and not to any particular object of it are known as **static methods**. 

>**Note:** Static functions can only be accessed by the class itself since they do not belong to its objects.

## Defining Static Methods

As discussed above, a static method belongs to the class only and not to the objects created from it. So how is it defined?

ES6 version of JavaScript introduces the *keyword* `static` which assigns a method to the class directly instead of the class `prototype` object from where the objects were able to inherit it. 

>**Note:** Since `static` methods are not defined on the prototype of class they cannot be accessed hence cannot be overridden by the child object inheriting it. 

### Example
Let's take a look at an example defining a static method:

# What are Static Methods?

Methods that we define inside the class get assigned to the prototype object of the class and belong to all the objects instances that get created from that class.

Let's consider the example of the class `Student`: 

The class `Student` has the method `displayName` defined. Any object instance created will inherit this method from `Student.prototype` just as `student1` inherits it.

Now, let's suppose we have multiple `Student` objects, and we need a *method* returning their count, i.e., the total number of students. Such a method, when defined inside the  `Student`, should only belong to the *class* instead of a particular object instance of it as it gives the total count of students. 

Methods that are used to implement functions belonging to a class only and not to any particular object of it are known as **static methods**. 

>**Note:** Static functions can only be accessed by the class itself since they do not belong to its objects.

# Defining Static Methods

As discussed above, a static method belongs to the class only and not to the objects created from it. So how is it defined?

ES6 version of JavaScript introduces the *keyword* `static` which assigns a method to the class directly instead of the class `prototype` object from where the objects were able to inherit it. 

>**Note:** Since `static` methods are not defined on the prototype of class they cannot be accessed hence cannot be overridden by the child object inheriting it. 

## Example
Let's take a look at an example defining a static method:

This lesson explains what static methods are and how they are defined using an example.

Introduction

Objects in JavaScript

Functions as Objects

Classes

Inheritance

Static Methods

What are Static Methods?