I need a very basic understanding of what static means <p>I am a java newbie, and despite searching everywhere, I cannot find a basic definition for what static actually does. Could somebody please tell me what it means? Also, please phrase your answer as if I do not even know what java is, no programming language examples please? Huge thanks. EDIT: so my understanding is that when you have a static variable inside of a constructor, </p> <pre><code>i.e. you have class test{ static int a = 5; public test(){ } } </code></pre> <p>and then</p> <pre><code>test test1 = new test(); test test2 = new test(): </code></pre> <p>, <code>test1.a</code> would equal 5, and <code>test2.a</code> would also equal 5. If you changed <code>test1.a = 6</code> however, <code>test2.a</code> would also equal 6?</p>