Static vs class functions/variables in Swift classes?

The following code compiles in Swift 1.2:

class myClass {
    static func myMethod1() {
    }
    class func myMethod2() {
    }
    static var myVar1 = ""
}

func doSomething() {
    myClass.myMethod1()
    myClass.myMethod2()
    myClass.myVar1 = "abc"
}

What is the difference between a static function and a class function? Which one should I use, and when?

If I try to define another variable class var myVar2 = "", it says:

Class stored properties not yet supported in classes; did you mean 'static'?

When this feature is supported, what will the difference be between a static variable and a class variable (i.e. when both are defined in a class)? Which one should I use, and when?

(Xcode 6.3)

Solution 1:

static and class both associate a method with a class, rather than an instance of a class. The difference is that subclasses can override class methods; they cannot override static methods.

class properties will theoretically function in the same way (subclasses can override them), but they're not possible in Swift yet.

Solution 2:

I tried mipadi's answer and comments on playground. And thought of sharing it. Here you go. I think mipadi's answer should be mark as accepted.

class A{
    class func classFunction(){
    }
    static func staticFunction(){
    }
    class func classFunctionToBeMakeFinalInImmediateSubclass(){
    }
}

class B: A {
    override class func classFunction(){
        
    }
    
    //Compile Error. Class method overrides a 'final' class method
    override static func staticFunction(){
        
    }
    
    //Let's avoid the function called 'classFunctionToBeMakeFinalInImmediateSubclass' being overriden by subclasses
    
    /* First way of doing it
    override static func classFunctionToBeMakeFinalInImmediateSubclass(){
    }
    */
    
    // Second way of doing the same
    override final class func classFunctionToBeMakeFinalInImmediateSubclass(){
    }
    
    //To use static or final class is choice of style.
    //As mipadi suggests I would use. static at super class. and final class to cut off further overrides by a subclass
}

class C: B{
    //Compile Error. Class method overrides a 'final' class method
    override static func classFunctionToBeMakeFinalInImmediateSubclass(){
        
    }
}