Understanding the 'static' Keyword in Java

The static keyword in Java serves an important purpose. When applied to a block of code, it has two major implications: the code block is related to the static members of the class, and it is executed when the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) loads the class.

Relation to Static Members of a Class

In Java, 'static' can be applied not only to methods, but to blocks of code as well. It's often utilised when you want to modify the static fields of a class. This keyword indicates that the block of code or method belongs to the class itself, rather than any instance of the class.

This static block is a type of 'initialization block', meant for initializing the static variables of a class. It can perform calculations or operations needed to initialize these variables.

For instance, consider the following simple Java code snippet:

class Example {
    static int i;
    static {
        i = 10;
    }
}

In this example, the static block of code initializes the static variable 'i' to the value of 10. This block will only execute once, when the class is loaded by the JVM.

Execution When the JVM Loads the Class

Another critical aspect of the static keyword's behavior is that the associated block of code is executed when the JVM loads the class containing it -- not when an instance of the class is created, but rather when the class itself is loaded into memory. This happens before the main method is called and any objects are created.

This makes a static block useful in scenarios where you need to execute code prior to creating instances of a class or running the class's methods.

Best Practices and Additional Insights

While static initialization blocks can be very useful, it's essential to remember that they are executed only once, when the class is initialized. Therefore, they should not be used for code that needs to be run more than once or that depends on instance variables.

Additionally, remember that if a class contains several static blocks, they will be run in the order they appear in the class, from top to bottom. Therefore, care should be taken to ensure the correct order of operations.

Understanding the function of the static keyword and how it affects the execution of Java code is crucial to programming effectively in this language. With careful use, you can leverage this keyword to handle complex class-level operations and initialization tasks.