What is the Java `static {}` keyword all by itself? [duplicate]

Question

Possible Duplicate:
Static Block in Java

I came across the following use of static and did not figure out what it does. I am aware of using for example static String hello = "World"; but I do not understand the following.

static {
   loadFromProperties(new Properties());
}

Answer 1

It's called a static initializer. It's a block of code that runs when the class is initialized.

Related question (probably a dup actually):

• Static Block in Java