Characteristics of a class variable

Such variables are referred to as static variables and are also referred to as class variables.

A class variable is declared inside a class but not inside a function, and is declared to be static.

Only one copy of a static variable exists no matter how many objects (if any) are instantiated from the class.  That copy is shared among all of the objects that may be instantiated from that class.

A public static variable can be accessed without a requirement for an object instantiated from the class.

Static class variables should be used very sparingly if at all.