[c++] Static variables in C++

I would like to know what is the difference between static variables in a header file vs declared in a class. When static variable is declared in a header file is its scope limited to .h file or across all units. Also generally static variable is initialized in .cpp file when declared in a class right? So that does mean static variable scope is limited to 2 compilation units?

A static variable declared in a header file outside of the class would be file-scoped in every .c file which includes the header. That means separate copy of a variable with same name is accessible in each of the .c files where you include the header file.

A static class variable on the other hand is class-scoped and the same static variable is available to every compilation unit that includes the header containing the class with static variable.

Static variable in a header file:

say 'common.h' has

static int zzz;

This variable 'zzz' has internal linkage (This same variable can not be accessed in other translation units). Each translation unit which includes 'common.h' has it's own unique object of name 'zzz'.

Static variable in a class:

Static variable in a class is not a part of the subobject of the class. There is only one copy of a static data member shared by all the objects of the class.

$9.4.2/6 - "Static data members of a class in namespace scope have external linkage (3.5).A local class shall not have static data members."

So let's say 'myclass.h' has

struct myclass{
   static int zzz;        // this is only a declaration
};

and myclass.cpp has

#include "myclass.h"

int myclass::zzz = 0           // this is a definition, 
                               // should be done once and only once

and "hisclass.cpp" has

#include "myclass.h"

void f(){myclass::zzz = 2;}    // myclass::zzz is always the same in any 
                               // translation unit

and "ourclass.cpp" has

#include "myclass.h"
void g(){myclass::zzz = 2;}    // myclass::zzz is always the same in any 
                               // translation unit

So, class static members are not limited to only 2 translation units. They need to be defined only once in any one of the translation units.

Note: usage of 'static' to declare file scope variable is deprecated and unnamed namespace is a superior alternate