Where to store static methods in OOP?

Question

I have a Blog class that does exactly what you think it would...create an object and handle it. That part is nice and clean.

I am now in need of a function that will quickly return a number of all the blogs in my database (not necessarily related to the blog object). Therefore, I am thinking a static method would be a good choice.

My question is, where should I store this static method? Here are a few options I can think of:

• store it as a static method in the Blog class (maybe smelly because it has nothing to do with the object that class creates?)

• create a new class for blog static functions (seems excessive)

• find a better way to go about this altogether (yes, but what?)

Answer 1

You could also encapsulate the database access in a class and add the new method there.

Answer 2

Create a class/interface called BlogService which will have count method in it. Other methods such as findAll, findById, etc.

Answer 3

Presumably something is managing the multiple Blog objects you create? If not, there should be, and that's where the method belongs - no need for it to be static.

Answer 4

find a better way to go about this altogether (yes, but what?)

Model View Controller

Transform your Blog to a 'Controller' at this stage

Create a 'Model' that can handle all your database methods

From Class Blog call the Model as you wish (also suggest at this point refactor all database requests to go into Model).

(For a very good Introduction to MVC search for CodeIgniter).

Answer 5

You do not need static method, but static variable. Static method is just function in object that does not take object but only variables from outside.