Static Methods in JavaScript

In object-oriented programming, a static method is a method that belongs to a class itself, not to instances of the class. This means you can call the method without creating an object of the class.

Defining a Static Method

In JavaScript, static methods are created using the static keyword inside a class.

				
					class MathHelper {
  static add(a, b) {
    return a + b;
  }
}

console.log(MathHelper.add(1, 2)); // Output: 3

You don’t need to use new MathHelper() to call add(). It’s accessed directly from the class.

When to Use Static Methods

Static methods are useful for:

Utility or helper functions (like mathematical operations)
Creating factory methods
Performing actions that don’t rely on instance data

				
					class IDGenerator {
  static generate() {
    return Math.floor(Math.random() * 10000);
  }
}

console.log(IDGenerator.generate());

Notes

Static methods do not access this because this refers to an instance, and static methods don’t operate on instances.
Static methods can access other static methods or static properties in the same class.

Summary

Use static to define class-level methods.
Call static methods using the class name (not instance).
Best for utility-like functions or actions that don’t depend on instance data.
Static methods cannot access instance properties or this.