What is a Class object, not the class named "Object"

[Zarah]

This statement is given here.

"You might wonder what happens when a static synchronized method is invoked, since a static method is associated with a class, not an object. In this case, the thread acquires the intrinsic lock for the Class object associated with the class. "

What is a Class object associated with a class. Google search rather finds material about the Object class. I'm sure it is not that.

[masijade]

Class is a class like every other. Whenever a new class is loaded (i.e. referenced for the first time in a program) the Class class, defining the class itself, is instantiated, before instantiating any instances of the what the class defines. All static items are referenced from this instance of Class.

[gimbal2]

before instantiating any instances of the what the class defines.

Say what?

[JosAH]

Class is a class like every other. Whenever a new class is loaded (i.e. referenced for the first time in a program) the Class class, defining the class itself, is instantiated, before instantiating any instances of the what the class defines. All static items are referenced from this instance of Class.

That's why I dislike the name 'Object'; i.e. a Class object represents a class, but an Object doesn't represent any object; I vote for the new name 'InvisibleCosmicFlyingSpaghettiMonster'.

kind regards,

Jos ;-)

[Zarah]

@masijade Thank you very much.

[gimbal2]

but an Object doesn't represent any object

I like to be able to say that any object "is-an Object" myself. Being able to say that any object "is-an InvisibleCosmicFlyingSpaghettiMonster" would be funny the first 100 times but then it gets old.

[Tolls]

I like to be able to say that any object "is-an Object" myself. Being able to say that any object "is-an InvisibleCosmicFlyingSpaghettiMonster" would be funny the first 100 times but then it gets old.

Never mind the extra typing involved, though I expect it would quickly get abbreviated to ICFSM.

[gimbal2]

I think it would just get shortened to 'Monster' myself.

[jashburn]

Further reading for Zarah on the Class object:

• what is Class Object(java.lang.class) in java? - Stack Overflow
• Class (Java Platform SE 7 )

You know you've sorted this out when you know the differences between a Class class, Class object, Object class and Object object. ;-) (Hmm... looks like a good interview question...)