Why singleton getInstance method has to be public static in Java

Question

I am just curious why a Singleton class getInstance (or whatever you want to call it) needs to be public static. It only needs to be static not public if that singleton should only be used with in the same package or is my assumption is incorrect.

Answer 1

If you don't need it public, don't make it public!

As long as you can use it where you need it you'll be fine.