In Java, is there any disadvantage to static methods on a class?

Question

Lets assume that a rule (or rule of thumb, anyway), has been imposed in my coding environment that any method on a class that doesn\'t use, modify, or otherwise need any ins

Answer 1

The main problem you may face is, you won't be able to provide a new implementation if needed.

If you still have doubts ( whether your implementation may change in the future or not ) you can always use a private instance underneath with the actual implementation:

 class StringUtil {
     private static StringUtil impl = new DefaultStringUtil();

     public static String nullOrValue( String s ) {
          return impl.doNullOrValue();
     }
     ... rest omitted 
  }

If for "some" reason, you need to change the implementation class you may offer:

  class StringUtil {
     private static StringUtil impl = new ExoticStringUtil();

     public static String nullOrValue( String s ) {
          return impl.doNullOrValue(s);
     }
     ... rest omitted 
  }

But may be excessive in some circumstances.