RSS Feed

How to Declare a Constant in Java

Java does not directly support constants. However, a static final variable is effectively a constant.

The static modifier causes the variable to be available without loading an instance of the class where it is defined.

The final modifier causes the variable to be unchangeable.

Naming Standards for Java Constants

Java constants are normally declared in ALL CAPS.

Underscores normally separate Words in Java constants.

Sample Java Constant Declaration

public class MAX_UNITS {
 public static final int MAX_UNITS = 25;

how to declare a constant in java How to Declare a Constant in Java

Vedios Related to Java Constant Declaration

Respond to “How to Declare a Constant in Java”
  1. Jinal says:

    Is it necessary to write static while declaring constant?
    if we only prefix ‘final’ modifier, then doesn’t it mean the variable is constant?
    Why only final is not enough? Why static is required with final to make constants in java?
     

    • Will.Spencer says:

      You can skip ‘static’, but then your variable will only be available when you load an instance of the class where it is defined.  If you always load an instance of that class, you should be fine.

Leave a Reply

Post your comments and questions below, but please follow our commenting guidelines.


Path: Home > Programming > Java > How to Declare a Constant in Java