Overriding vs. Overloading: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Overriding involves substituting a method in a subclass with a new version, differing from its parent class implementation. Overloading entails defining multiple methods within the same scope, sharing the same name but varying in parameters.
Key Differences
Overriding occurs in an inheritance hierarchy where a subclass provides a specific implementation for a method that is already defined in its parent class. This process allows a subclass to offer a specialized behavior that is different from the parent class's implementation of the same method.
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Nov 19, 2023
Overriding is bound to inheritance and is a concept where the child class alters the behavior of a method inherited from the parent class. The signature of the overridden method in the child class must match the parent class's method.
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Overriding is utilized to provide specific implementation details in a subclass, thus offering functionality that is more appropriate for the subclass, even though the method's signature remains the same as in the parent class.
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Overriding ensures that the subclass can use a method with the same name and signature as the parent class but with a tailored behavior that suits its own needs. This concept is pivotal in achieving polymorphism in object-oriented programming.
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Overriding allows for runtime polymorphism in object-oriented programming. The decision about which method implementation to use is made at runtime, depending on the object's actual class.
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Overriding and Overloading Definitions
Overriding
Altering the functionality of an inherited method to suit the subclass.
The printDetails() method in the Employee class was overridden to include department information.
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Overloading
Defining multiple methods in the same class with the same name but different arguments.
The setDimensions() method is overloaded to accept either two or three parameters for different shapes.
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Overriding
Replacing a method from a parent class in its subclass.
Overriding the move() method in the Robot class allows it to navigate differently.
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Overloading
Providing multiple versions of a method with different parameter lists.
By overloading calculateArea(), the program can compute areas for circles, squares, and rectangles.
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Overriding
Modifying an inherited method's behavior in a subclass.
The draw() method was overridden in the Circle class to handle circular shapes specifically.
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Overloading
Multiple methods sharing a name but differing in the type or number of parameters.
The print() method is overloaded to handle strings, integers, and boolean values.
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Overriding
Implementing a superclass method in the subclass to provide a specific functionality.
By overriding the calculateArea() method, the Rectangle class can provide its unique area calculation.
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Overloading
Creating methods with the same name but different parameters in the same class.
Overloading the add() method allows it to handle both integers and floats.
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Overriding
Changing a method's implementation inherited from a parent class in a subclass.
The speak() method is overridden in the Dog class to produce a barking sound.
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Overloading
Offering several variations of a method to handle different inputs.
Overloading the display() method allows for different display formats depending on the input type.
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Overriding
First in priority; more important than all others
Our overriding concern is the eradication of illiteracy.
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Overloading
(object-oriented) A type of polymorphism, where different functions, operators or variables with the same name are invoked based on the data types of the parameters passed.
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Overriding
Superior, of supreme importance in the case.
Our overriding concern is the safety of the children.
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Overloading
The loading of a vehicle etc. with too heavy a weight.
Operators can be fined for overloading of vehicles.
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Overriding
Having superior power and influence;
The predominant mood among policy-makers is optimism
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is method overloading?
Overloading is defining multiple methods with the same name but different parameters.
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Does overriding affect polymorphism?
Yes, overriding is essential for runtime polymorphism in object-oriented programming.
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How do you recognize an overridden method?
An overridden method has the same signature as the method in its parent class.
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Can you overload a method in the same class?
Yes, overloading occurs within the same class with different parameter lists.
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Does overriding occur at compile time or run time?
Overriding is a runtime concept, determined when the program is running.
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What is the primary purpose of overriding?
The primary purpose of overriding is to provide specific implementation in a subclass.
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What is method overriding?
Overriding is when a subclass redefines a method from its parent class.
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Can you override a method in the same class?
No, overriding requires a parent and a subclass relationship.
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How do you identify an overloaded method?
Overloaded methods have the same name but different parameter lists in the same class.
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Can constructors be overridden?
No, constructors cannot be overridden as they are not inherited.
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Are overriding and overloading supported in all programming languages?
Most object-oriented programming languages support both, but implementation details vary.
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Is overloading related to polymorphism?
Overloading is not directly related to polymorphism but enhances flexibility and readability.
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Can constructors be overloaded?
Yes, constructors can be overloaded with different parameter lists.
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Do overloaded methods have to return the same type?
No, overloaded methods can have different return types.
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Can static methods be overridden?
Static methods cannot be overridden as they are not part of object instances.
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Does overriding require method name and return type to match?
Yes, the method name and return type must match in overriding.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is overloading resolved at compile time or runtime?
Overloading is resolved at compile time based on the method signature.
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What is the main use of overloading?
Overloading is mainly used to increase code reusability and readability.
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Can static methods be overloaded?
Yes, static methods can be overloaded within the same class.
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Can private methods be overridden?
No, private methods are not visible to subclasses and thus cannot be overridden.
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Nov 19, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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