In most cases, you can access a static member from inside the class hierarchy where it is defined in exactly the same way as an instance member, by referencing the member directly by name. However, Progress Software Corporation recommends that you always use static type-name syntax to reference static members that support its use, even from within the class where they are defined. In part, this results in cleaner code that clearly distinguishes references to static members from references to instance members. It also helps to avoid some potential problems, including conflicts with references to other ABL elements, such as table fields, for example, that might share the same name as a static variable. For more information, see Static type-name syntax and naming conflicts.

The following section describes special circumstances for calling static methods from inside their defining class hierarchy. Otherwise, calling static methods or accessing static data members or properties from inside their defining class hierarchy is similar to calling and accessing instance methods, data members, and properties. For more information on calling methods within the class hierarchy where they are defined, see Calling methods from inside a class hierarchy where theyare defined. For more information on accessing data members or properties from within the class hierarchy where they are defined, see Accessing data members and properties.