How is a singleton different from a class filled with only static fields?
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Almost every time I write a static class, I end up wishing I had implemented it as a non-static class. Consider:
Because of these two points, non-static classes make it possible to write more reliable unit tests for items that depend on them, among other things.
A singleton pattern is only a half-step away from static classes, however. You sort of get these benefits, but if you are accessing them directly within other classes via `ClassName.Instance’, you’re creating an obstacle to accessing these benefits. Like ph0enix pointed out, you’re much better off using a dependency injection pattern. That way, a DI framework can be told that a particular class is (or is not) a singleton. You get all the benefits of mocking, unit testing, polymorphism, and a lot more flexibility.