What is the difference between static and non-static methods?

Static methods and non-static methods are two types of methods in object-oriented programming. The main difference between them lies in their behavior and how they are accessed.

1. Definition:
- Static methods: These methods are associated with the class itself rather than with any specific instance of the class. They can be accessed directly using the class name without creating an object of the class.
- Non-static methods: Also known as instance methods, these methods are associated with specific instances or objects of a class. They can only be accessed through an object of the class.

2. Access:
- Static methods: Since they are associated with the class, static methods can be accessed directly using the class name. They can be called even without creating an object of the class.
- Non-static methods: These methods can only be accessed through an object of the class. An instance of the class needs to be created before calling non-static methods.

3. Memory Allocation:
- Static methods: They are stored in a separate memory area called the "method area" or "static area" of the memory. This memory is shared among all instances of the class.
- Non-static methods: Each instance of the class has its own copy of non-static methods. These methods are stored in the "heap" memory area.

4. Usage:
- Static methods: They are commonly used for utility functions or operations that do not require any specific instance data. For example, mathematical calculations, conversion functions, or helper methods.
- Non-static methods: These methods are used to perform operations that require access to instance variables or other non-static members of the class. They can modify the state of the object and are often used to implement the behavior of the class.

5. Overriding:
- Static methods: They cannot be overridden in Java. If a subclass defines a static method with the same signature as the parent class, it is considered as a separate method and does not override the parent's static method.
- Non-static methods: They can be overridden in Java. If a subclass defines a non-static method with the same signature as the parent class, it overrides the parent's method and provides its own implementation.

In summary, static methods are associated with the class itself, can be accessed without creating an object, and are stored in a separate memory area. Non-static methods are associated with specific instances of the class, require an object to be accessed, and have their own memory allocation.