Static Member (Java and Delphi Cross Reference Guide)

When calling a static method from within the same class, you don't need to specify the class name.

class MyUtils {
  //Static method.

  public static void MyStaticMethod() {
  }

}

 Java Static Members (static)

Object Pascal supports static methods, but not static member fields. For static member fields, use traditional Pascal-like global variables.

Since Object Pascal is a hybrid language, you can use global functions and data so the need for class methods is diminished but still useful. For example, since Object Pascal does not have automatic reference counting, you could use a class method to keep track of the number of object instances.

Delphi 1-7: All classes in a unit are friendly (see eachother's private members), some developers like to put each class in it's own unit and reserve putting multiple classes in the same unit until they wish to implement friendly classes.

Delphi 2005+: New strict keyword allows you to indicate friendly.

Delphi Prism: The Strict keyword was introduced from the beginning (Delphi.Net preview that shipped with D7).

type
TMyUtils = class(TObject)
public
  class function MyStaticMethod: Integer;
end;

class function TMyUtils.MyStaticMethod: Integer;

 Delphi Class Members (Class)