static keyword

The static keyword has been extended in C++ to have the following meanings.

C++ Context	Action
A variable outside of a function.	Variable can be seen by all functions in the file. Default.
Variable inside a function.	The variable is permanent. The variable can only be initalised once and only one copy of the variable exists. Recursive calls use the same variable.
A class member variable	Only one copy of the variable exists. All instances of the object use the same variable (memory location).
A class member function (method).	Function can only access static members of the class

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C References