Variable scopes in Java

The scope of a Java variable is determined by the context in which the variable is declared.

Thus a java variable can have one of the three scopes at any given point in time.

1. Instance

These are typical object level variables, they are initialized to default values at the time of creation of object, and remain accessible as long as the object accessible.

2. Local

These are the variables that are defined within a method.

They remain accessible only during the course of method execution.

When the method finishes execution, these variables fall out of scope.

3. Static

These are the class level variables.

They are initialized when the class is loaded in JVM for the first time and remain there as long as the class remains loaded.

They are not tied to any particular object instance.