Difference between Instance Variable and Class Variable Last Updated : 28 Apr, 2021 Summarize Comments Improve Suggest changes Share Like Article Like Report Instance Variable: It is basically a class variable without a static modifier and is usually shared by all class instances. Across different objects, these variables can have different values. They are tied to a particular object instance of the class, therefore, the contents of an instance variable are totally independent of one object instance to others. Example: class Taxes { int count; /*...*/ } Class Variable: It is basically a static variable that can be declared anywhere at class level with static. Across different objects, these variables can have only one value. These variables are not tied to any particular object of the class, therefore, can share across all objects of the class. Example: class Taxes { static int count; /*...*/ } Tabular difference between Instance and Class variable: Instance Variable Class Variable It is a variable whose value is instance-specific and now shared among instances. It is a variable that defines a specific attribute or property for a class. These variables cannot be shared between classes. Instead, they only belong to one specific class. These variables can be shared between class and its subclasses. It usually reserves memory for data that the class needs. It usually maintains a single shared value for all instances of class even if no instance object of the class exists. It is generally created when an instance of the class is created. It is generally created when the program begins to execute. It normally retains values as long as the object exists. It normally retains values until the program terminates.It has many copies so every object has its own personal copy of the instance variable. It has only one copy of the class variable so it is shared among different objects of the class. It can be accessed directly by calling variable names inside the class. It can be accessed by calling with the class name. These variables are declared without using the static keyword. These variables are declared using the keyword static. Changes that are made to these variables through one object will not reflect in another object. Changes that are made to these variables through one object will reflect in another object. Comment More infoAdvertise with us Next Article Difference between Instance Variable and Local Variable M madhurihammad Follow Improve Article Tags : DSA C-Variable Declaration and Scope Similar Reads Difference between Instance Variable and Local Variable A variable is a name given to a memory location. It is the basic unit of storage in a program. The value stored in a variable can be changed during program execution.A variable is only a name given to a memory location. All the operations are done on the variable effects of a memory location.In Java 3 min read Instance Variables in Ruby There are four different types of variables in Ruby- Local variables, Instance variables, Class variables and Global variables. An instance variable in ruby has a name starting with @ symbol, and its content is restricted to whatever the object itself refers to. Two separate objects, even though the 3 min read Difference Between Object and Instance in Java The object is an instance of a class. A class is like a blueprint or template that defines the properties and behavior of objects. When we create an object we are creating an instance of that class. Object in JavaThe object is an instance of a class. A class is a blueprint or template that describes 3 min read Python Attributes: Class Vs. Instance Explained In Python, attributes are properties associated with objects. They can be variables or methods that are defined within a class or an instance of a class. Understanding the difference between class and instance attributes is fundamental in object-oriented programming. Here's an explanation: Python At 4 min read Difference between attributes and properties in Python Class Attribute: Class Attributes are unique to each class. Each instance of the class will have this attribute. Example: Python3 # declare a class class Employee: # class attribute count = 0 # define a method def increase(self): Employee.count += 1 # create an Employee # class object a1 = Employee( 3 min read Ruby | Class Method and Variables Class Methods are the methods that are defined inside the class, public class methods can be accessed with the help of objects. The method is marked as private by default, when a method is defined outside of the class definition. By default, methods are marked as public which is defined in the class 3 min read Like