C++: Static variable declarations in a function

Question

Static variables exist outside of the function, in terms of their memory at least (not scope), right? But one thing that always concerned me, is what happens when I call the function a second time. For instance:

f(){
    static char buffer[256*256];
    stuff(buffer);
}

When I call this function a second time, wouldn't it technically be declaring the variable 'buffer' a second time? Or does it work differently with static variables (as opposed to normal ones) once everything is compiled?

... I sometimes wish there was a chart or something of what a c++ compiler usually turns code into (minus optimizations) so I wouldn't have to bother you fine folks with little questions like this, aha. Thank you in advance!

edit: I know it works like this, I just want to know why though. It's probably something mind numbingly simple...

Answer 1

Static storage duration objects in function scope.

These objects are created on first use.
Then destroyed in reverse order of creation (with other static storage duration objects).

#include <iostream>

class X
{
    public:
        X(int x): m(x)      {std::cout << "X: " << m << " created\n"; }
        ~X()                {std::cout << "X: " << m << " destroyed\n";}

    private:
        int m;
};


static X    x1(1);

int test()
{
    std::cout << "Test: Start\n";
    static  X x3(3);

    std::cout << "Test: Finished\n";
    return 5;
}


int main()
{
    std::cout << "Main: Start\n";
    X   x2(2);

    test();

    X   x4(4);
    std::cout << "Main: Finished\n";
}

Now Try it: (comments added). SSDO => Static Storage Duration object.

g++ X.cpp
./a.out
X: 1 created    // SSDO file scope.
Main: Start
X: 2 created
Test: Start
X: 3 created    // SSDO created on first use (Notice not destroyed)
Test: Finished
Test: Start     // Notice not created here.
Test: Finished
X: 4 created
Main: Finished
X: 4 destroyed
X: 2 destroyed  // Main now really finished. after destroying local variables.
X: 3 destroyed  // Destroy SSDO in reverse order of creation. (3 - 1)
X: 1 destroyed