What happens to variables defined as `static` within a function when the function is called multiple times?

When a variable is defined as static within a function, it is initialized only once, and its value persists for the lifetime of the program, even between multiple calls to that function. This means that each time the function is called, the static variable does not reset to its initial state; rather, it retains the value from the previous call.

The storage duration of a static variable is static, meaning that it exists for the duration of the program and is not recreated or destroyed with each function call. This behavior allows for the accumulation of values or state retention across function invocations, which can be particularly useful for scenarios where you want to keep track of data without exposing it outside the function's scope.

Thus, when the function is invoked again, the static variable continues with its last stored value, reinforcing its purpose of maintaining state information over time.