Why can't I define a static method in a Java interface?

Question

EDIT: As of Java 8, static methods are now allowed in interfaces.

Here\'s the example:

public interface IXMLizable         


        

Answer 1

Suppose you could do it; consider this example:

interface Iface {
  public static void thisIsTheMethod();
}

class A implements Iface {

  public static void thisIsTheMethod(){
    system.out.print("I'm class A");
  }

}

class B extends Class A {

  public static void thisIsTheMethod(){
    System.out.print("I'm class B");
  } 
}

SomeClass {

  void doStuff(Iface face) {
    IFace.thisIsTheMethod();
    // now what would/could/should happen here.
  }

}