this: Cannot use this in static context

Question

Can you please help me with below code. The error is: \"Cannot use This in a static context\"

public class Sample2 {
    /**
     * @param a         


        

Answer 1

See, "this" keyword refers to current object due to which method is under exceution. As, you cannot call static method using instance of class. That is why, "this" can't be used in the above example in a static method as it is trying to print current instance wich is not at all created. So, I think thats why there is an compile time error that you are getting.

Answer 2

They keyword this refers to the instance of the class. In a static context, you have no instance, therefore you can't refer it.

For more information, refer to this answer: What is the meaning of "this" in Java?

Answer 3

If we try to access this from a static context , compiler has no way to guess which instance, you are referring too. main is a static method here.

Answer 4

In java you can not use this in static methods (static context).

Static methods do not point to any instance of the enclosing class.

A static method cannot refer to “this” or “super” keywords in anyway

Refer official docs on this keyword

Answer 5

writing this means in static context we are expecting to return the address of the object. Though its totally legal to have an object calling static methods but it is not an obligation. So compiler stops possibility of any error in case object is not created for the class.