The keyword static has many different meanings in C++. Table 14-1 is a complete list of the various ways static can be used.
Usage
Meaning
Variable outside the body of any function
The scope of the variable is limited to the file in which it is declared.
Variable declaration inside a function
The variable is permanent. It is initialized once, and only one copy is created even if the function is called recursively.
Function declaration
The scope of the function is limited to the file in which it is declared.
Member variable
One copy of the variable is created per class (not one per object).
Member function
Function can only access static members of the class.
