Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms: static
static
- in C and related programming languages, a keyword indicating that a variable continues to exist even when the function that defines it is not in use. That is, a static variable remembers its value from one invocation of the function to the next.
- in C++ and related programming languages, a keyword indicating that a variable exists, or a method can be called, without creating an object of the class to which it is attached, and if several such objects are created, they will all share one copy of the static item.
- (describing electricity) standing still; accumulating as a charge rather than flowing in a circuit. Static electricity accumulating on the human body can damage integrated circuits when a person suddenly touches them. To prevent this, be sure to touch the frame of the computer before touching anything inside it, and use anti-static spray on carpets.
- (describing audio or video) popping or frying sounds or speckled patterns like those caused by discharges of static electricity interfering with radio or television reception. In the digitalworld, this kind of static usually results from an insufficient data transmission rate, or corrupted data, rather than from static electricity.
