Using a class to store static data in Java?

Question

Is it a bad idea creating a separate class and use it as a storage which consists only of static data variables?

I am currently developing an app for android, but th

Answer 1

Instead of Creating a Static class to save Global Variables, I would suggest you to use Application class.

see Link:

Android global variable

Answer 2

Well ! As far as I know It might depend on the size of your project ! If its relatively large its good to use separate class to store static data (not only one class , you might come in need of keeping them two or more classes depending on the type of the static data used)

Answer 3

Well, that's not a bad idea. You can use such type of a class in Android. But a small correction here. Instead of maintaining a class that holds static Data, you can make that class to extend Application class and use it store the data.

Here is a example,

public class HelloApplication extends Application {
        private int globalVariable=1;

        public int getGlobalVariable() {
                return globalVariable;
        }

        public void setGlobalVariable(int globalVariable) {
                this.globalVariable = globalVariable;
        }
        @Override
        public void onCreate() {
                //reinitialize variable
        }
}

And in your Activity, do this,

(HelloApplication)getApplication()).setGlobalVariable(10);
int valiable=((HelloApplication)getApplication()).getGlobalVariable();

Taken from here..

And speak about SharedPreference, you should consider using them only when the value has to be stored for a long time. if not, you should make use of the Application class and use setters and getters which is the legitimate way to do this.

Answer 4

I would suggest that you should encapsulate your global class with a Singleton class. See more at Singleton Design Pattern

Answer 5

i suggest that "never" use a global variables ....

when you are accessing to another activity you can throw some values using Intent.putExtras(Name_parameter, "value_parameter")

and to recive the value : Bundle b = getIntent().getExtras(); where b has all parameters

cheers,

Answer 6

use SharedPreference to store flags and variables

http://developer.android.com/reference/android/content/SharedPreferences.html

For Global variable:

it would be better to use the Android Application class. It's meant to store global application state