Need to use instance in static and non-static methods

Question

I'm making a little text game. The starting dialogue is in my main (static) method. From there, it sends you to other methods depending on your choices.

Now I think I need to have an instance of my class for this to work.

For example:

Program p = new Program();

if(stuff){
    p.room1();
}
else{
    p.room2();
}

Within those other methods there are global variables that will change.

So above the main method there is:

public bool hasItem = false;

So room1() would look like,

public void room1(){
    if(stuff){
        p.hasItem = true;
    } 
}

I know I'm screwing something up with the main method. Do I declare the instance "p" inside or outside of the main method? I've tried both but get errors both ways.

Edit: I ended up declaring a static "Program" outside of the main method to use elsewhere. Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

First off, you can either create a static Program outside of your main method, or declare a program inside your main method, depending on your architecture.

Second, you don't have to reference your instance from within your instance methods. Just use the field name. like so:

public void room1(){
    if(stuff){
        hasItem = true;
    } 
}

you can use this.hasItem if you want to be explicit about it.

---

Or better yet, make a brand new class to keep your state in. Having instance members in the class with the main method is awkward design.