"Static" class member

Question

For example, x is static in class's definition. I should use x in this way:

class_name::x; rather than instance_of_class.x;

My question is, is the latter one also legal? Or just not correct?

Thanks.

Answer 1

It is legal and correct, but the general consensus is to use the scope resolution operator.

class_name::x

rather than

instance.x