Name: rl43681			Date: 06/17/2003


A DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUEST :
The compiler allows static methods to be accessed as if they are instance methods.  This can be a source of confusion when reading code.

It would be clearer if all calls to static methods had to be prefixed with the class name - but forcing this would break a lot of existing code.

It would be nice if the compiler had an option to warn when a static method is called without the class name being prefixed.

JUSTIFICATION :
  To enhance the readabiloty of code (feel free to argue that it'll make the code harder to read - but hey that is why it is an option).

EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
The compiler emit a warning (if the user specifies the flag) when a static method is called without being prefixed by the class name.

---------- BEGIN SOURCE ----------
public class X {
	public static void main(final String[] argv) {
		X x = new X();
		x.foo(); // warning - reference not a class
		X.foo(); // OK
	}

	public static void foo() {}

	void bar() {
		foo();   // warning - no class prefix
		X.foo(); // OK
	}
}
---------- END SOURCE ----------
(Review ID: 185711) 
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