Java Nested Classes — Free Java Tutorial

TL;DR: Learn Java Nested Classes in Java with a free, beginner-friendly tutorial, examples and practice for Indian students on Syllab.in.

Java Nested Classes in Java

Java allows classes to be defined inside other classes. There are four types: static nested class, inner class (non-static), local class (defined inside a method), and anonymous class.

A static nested class belongs to the outer class itself, not to any instance. It can only access static members of the outer class.

An inner class (non-static) is associated with an instance of the outer class and can access all outer class members including private ones.

Anonymous classes are often used to provide a one-time implementation of an interface or abstract class — largely replaced by lambda expressions in modern Java.

class Outer {
    private int x = 10;

    static class StaticNested {
        void show() { System.out.println("Static nested"); }
    }

    class Inner {
        void show() { System.out.println("x = " + x); }
    }
}

Outer.StaticNested sn = new Outer.StaticNested();
Outer.Inner inner = new Oute

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