static

The static keyword defines a static method for a class. Static methods aren't called on instances of the class. Instead, they're called on the class itself. These are often utility functions, such as functions to create or clone objects.

Syntax

static methodName() { ... }

Examples

Using static in classes

The following example demonstrates several things:

  1. How a static method is implemented on a class.
  2. That a class with a static member can be sub-classed.
  3. How a static method can and cannot be called.
class Triple {
  static triple(n = 1) {
    return n * 3;
  }
}

class BiggerTriple extends Triple {
  static triple(n) {
    return super.triple(n) * super.triple(n);
  }
}

console.log(Triple.triple());        // 3
console.log(Triple.triple(6));       // 18

var tp = new Triple();

console.log(BiggerTriple.triple(3));
// 81 (not affected by parent's instantiation)

console.log(tp.triple());
// 'tp.triple is not a function'.

Calling static methods from another static method

In order to call a static method within another static method of the same class, you can use the this keyword.

class StaticMethodCall {
  static staticMethod() {
    return 'Static method has been called';
  }
  static anotherStaticMethod() {
    return this.staticMethod() + ' from another static method';
  }
}
StaticMethodCall.staticMethod();
// 'Static method has been called'

StaticMethodCall.anotherStaticMethod();
// 'Static method has been called from another static method'

Calling static methods from a class constructor and other methods

Static methods are not directly accessible using the this keyword from non-static methods. You need to call them using the class name: CLASSNAME.STATIC_METHOD_NAME() or by calling the method as a property of the constructor: this.constructor.STATIC_METHOD_NAME().

class StaticMethodCall {
  constructor() {
    console.log(StaticMethodCall.staticMethod());
    // 'static method has been called.'

    console.log(this.constructor.staticMethod());
    // 'static method has been called.'
  }

  static staticMethod() {
    return 'static method has been called.';
  }
}

Specifications

Specification
ECMAScript (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Class definitions' in that specification.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobileServer
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung InternetNode.js
staticChrome Full support 49
Full support 49
No support 42 — 49
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
No support 42 — 49
Disabled
Disabled From version 42 until version 49 (exclusive): this feature is behind the Experimental JavaScript preference (needs to be set to Enabled). To change preferences in Chrome, visit chrome://flags.
Edge Full support 13Firefox Full support 45IE No support NoOpera Full support 36
Full support 36
No support 29 — 36
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
No support 29 — 36
Disabled
Disabled From version 29 until version 36 (exclusive): this feature is behind the Experimental JavaScript preference (needs to be set to Enabled).
Safari Full support 9WebView Android Full support 49
Full support 49
No support 42 — 49
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
Chrome Android Full support 49
Full support 49
No support 42 — 49
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
No support 42 — 49
Disabled
Disabled From version 42 until version 49 (exclusive): this feature is behind the Experimental JavaScript preference (needs to be set to Enabled). To change preferences in Chrome, visit chrome://flags.
Firefox Android Full support 45Opera Android Full support 36
Full support 36
No support 29 — 36
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
No support 29 — 36
Disabled
Disabled From version 29 until version 36 (exclusive): this feature is behind the Experimental JavaScript preference (needs to be set to Enabled).
Safari iOS Full support 9Samsung Internet Android Full support 5.0
Full support 5.0
No support 4.0 — 5.0
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
nodejs Full support 6.0.0
Full support 6.0.0
Full support 4.0.0
Disabled
Disabled From version 4.0.0: this feature is behind the --use_strict runtime flag.
Full support 5.0.0
Disabled
Disabled From version 5.0.0: this feature is behind the --harmony runtime flag.

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support
See implementation notes.
See implementation notes.
User must explicitly enable this feature.
User must explicitly enable this feature.

See also