To get a Class object we use MyClass.class-It seems “class” is a static member of “MyClass”

Question

To get a Class object we use MyClass.class-It seems “class” is a static member of “MyClass”

• Is “class” is static member of “MyClass” ?

• If so when is it added and who add this field ?

Answer 1

Despite the similar syntax, class is not a static member of each class. The expression C.class is called a class literal and is a special syntax that is understood by the compiler.

It's defined in the specification:

A class literal is an expression consisting of the name of a class, interface, array, or primitive type, or the pseudo-type void, followed by a '.' and the token class.