Explanation of how classloader loads static variables

Question

Ok so this is a newbie question on java, but i can\'t seem to get my head around it.

I have the following code inside my class

private static final          


        

Answer 1

The JVM will, indeed, initialize the static fields in the order it encounters them.

A class's static fields are initialized when the class is first encountered by the JVM. According to Java Puzzlers, puzzle 49 (which goes on to reference JLS 4.12.5), static fields are first set to their default values. Object variables are set to null, ints are set to 0, etc. After that, their initializers are executed in order of appearance.

So, in your example, LIST_CODE and LIST_INTEGER are first set to null. Then, LIST_CODE is initialized by calling gerarListCode(). LIST_INTEGER is still null when that method is executed. Only after that, LIST_INTEGER is initialized with the literal value you give in your example.