Android - Static Block not being called first, why?

Question

From my Java understanding, static blocks should be executed before ANY other function.

I have a static block that calls a static function, both in class MyClass.java, that uses SharedPreferences object.

MyClass is used by MyApplication (Extends Application), somewhere in the onCreateMethod.

static {
    doSomethingStaticFirst();
}

private static void doSomethingStaticFirst() {

        //Log(DO_SOMETHING_STATIC_FIRST)

        UserPreferences userPreferences = new UserPreferences(MyApplication.getInstance().getApplicationContext());
}

However I am seeing the following logs in order:

MyApplication onCreate method
DatabaseManager onUpdate (in case DB version increased)
DO_SOMETHING_STATIC_FIRST

Is there a particular reason why static blocks are not executed first? Will MyApplication onCreate method will be executed first over all?

In what class is the code you have shown? Is it in `MyApplication`? Is it in `DatabaseManager`? Is it somewhere else? — CommonsWare, Nov 19 '15 at 00:46
Possible duplicate of [When is the static block of a class executed?](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/9130461/when-is-the-static-block-of-a-class-executed) — Krease, Nov 19 '15 at 01:00

score 7 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 19 '15 at 00:58

Your assumption is not accurate.

Static blocks in a class are executed when your class is loaded - which occurs the first time it is referenced in code.

If you really need to have your static block execute earlier, you can force-load the class - something like Class.forName("com.foo.MyClassWithStaticFunctions") earlier in the execution path will force the static blocks to execute sooner.

Android - Static Block not being called first, why?

1 Answers1