Difference between Instance Variable and Class Variable Last Updated : 28 Apr, 2021 Summarize Comments Improve Suggest changes Share Like Article Like Report Instance Variable: It is basically a class variable without a static modifier and is usually shared by all class instances. Across different objects, these variables can have different values. They are tied to a particular object instance of the class, therefore, the contents of an instance variable are totally independent of one object instance to others. Example: class Taxes { int count; /*...*/ } Class Variable: It is basically a static variable that can be declared anywhere at class level with static. Across different objects, these variables can have only one value. These variables are not tied to any particular object of the class, therefore, can share across all objects of the class. Example: class Taxes { static int count; /*...*/ } Tabular difference between Instance and Class variable: Instance Variable Class Variable It is a variable whose value is instance-specific and now shared among instances. It is a variable that defines a specific attribute or property for a class. These variables cannot be shared between classes. Instead, they only belong to one specific class. These variables can be shared between class and its subclasses. It usually reserves memory for data that the class needs. It usually maintains a single shared value for all instances of class even if no instance object of the class exists. It is generally created when an instance of the class is created. It is generally created when the program begins to execute. It normally retains values as long as the object exists. It normally retains values until the program terminates.It has many copies so every object has its own personal copy of the instance variable. It has only one copy of the class variable so it is shared among different objects of the class. It can be accessed directly by calling variable names inside the class. It can be accessed by calling with the class name. These variables are declared without using the static keyword. These variables are declared using the keyword static. Changes that are made to these variables through one object will not reflect in another object. Changes that are made to these variables through one object will reflect in another object. Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article Difference Between Object and Instance in Java M madhurihammad Follow Improve Article Tags : Analysis of Algorithms Competitive Programming Difference Between DSA C-Variable Declaration and Scope +1 More Similar Reads Difference Between Object and Instance in Java The object is an instance of a class. A class is like a blueprint or template that defines the properties and behavior of objects. When we create an object we are creating an instance of that class. Object in JavaThe object is an instance of a class. A class is a blueprint or template that describes 3 min read Difference between static and non-static variables in Java In Java, variables are mainly categorized into two main types based on their working and memory allocation, and these two variables are static variables and non-static variables. The main difference between them is listed below:Static variables: These are variables that are shared among all the inst 3 min read Difference Between Class.this and this in Java In java, Class.this and this might refer to the same or different objects depending upon the usage. this this is a reference variable that refers to the current object. If there is ambiguity between the instance variables and parameters, this keyword resolves the problem of ambiguity. Class.this Cla 3 min read Difference Between Instant and Instance The terms "instant" and "instance" may appear similar but have distinct meanings and usage. "Instant" is an adjective that refers to a precise moment in time, while "instance" refers to a particular occurrence or example of something.Definition of "Instant""Instant" is an adjective that refers to a 3 min read Difference between Schema and Instance in DBMS In a Database Management System (DBMS), the schema refers to the overall design or blueprint of the database, describing its structure (like tables, columns, and relationships). It remains relatively stable over time.On the other hand, an instance represents the actual data within the database at an 4 min read Difference Between Object And Class Class is a detailed description, the definition, and the template of what an object will be. But it is not the object itself. Also, what we call, a class is the building block that leads to Object-Oriented Programming. It is a user-defined data type, that holds its own data members and member functi 6 min read Like