title: How can a static variable (global variable) be an object in Java?
body: <p>Ok, off the bat, I know this question either sounds like common sense, or very confusing due to its wording. Unfortunately, due to my lack of knowledge even after much research, I am unsure how to phrase it. To my understanding at this point, static variables do not refer to an instance of a class, and a class.method call is used to access them. variables declared non-static and public are instances of the class and can be called using an object.method call. However, in recent examples, I have seen statements such as:</p>
  
  <pre><code>private static Rectangle rect; 
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>why not just write</p>
  
  <pre><code>public Rectangle rect;
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>How is this possible? I thought that static variables were <em>not associated with instances of classes</em>? <strong>I am just very confused regarding the meaning and limitations/usages of static versus non-static.</strong> I apologize for any confusion. If this question deems unanswerable, a link providing an example of SIMPLE differentiation between static and public usage would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete beginner so please avoid using too much technical jargon.
  Thanks in advance.</p>