Method Overloading vs. Method Overriding: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 16, 2024
Method Overloading involves multiple methods with the same name but different parameters, while Method Overriding involves redefining a method of a parent class in its subclass.
Key Differences
Method Overloading occurs within a single class where multiple methods share the same name but differ in the number or type of parameters. Method Overriding, on the other hand, happens when a subclass has a method with the same name and parameter list as a method in its parent class, allowing it to provide a specific implementation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
In Method Overloading, the return type of methods can vary, and it's primarily used to increase the readability of the program. Method Overriding is used to provide the specific implementation of a method that is already provided by its superclass, and the return type should be the same or a subtype.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Method Overloading is an example of compile-time polymorphism where the method to be executed is determined at compile time. In contrast, Method Overriding is a case of runtime polymorphism where the method to be executed is determined at runtime.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Method Overloading allows methods to perform different functions based on the parameters passed. In Method Overriding, the child class provides a specific implementation for a method that already exists in the parent class.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Method Overloading can occur in the same class or in a subclass. However, Method Overriding specifically involves a method in a subclass that overrides a method in its superclass.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Having multiple methods with the same name but different parameters in a class.
Redefining a method of a parent class in its subclass.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Purpose
To enhance readability and code organization.
To provide specific implementation in the subclass.
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Jan 16, 2024
Scope
Within the same class or subclasses.
Only in subclasses overriding superclass methods.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
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Method Overloading and Method Overriding Definitions
Method Overloading
It offers a way for a method to have the same name but operate on different types of data.
Draw(shape) and draw(color) show method overloading with different data types.
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Jan 06, 2024
Method Overriding
Method Overriding occurs when a subclass provides a specific implementation for a method in its superclass.
A Bird class overriding the move() method of an Animal class.
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Jan 06, 2024
Method Overloading
It's a way to create multiple methods with the same name but different parameter lists.
Print(String) and print(int) demonstrate method overloading.
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Method Overriding
Method Overriding lets subclasses redefine how inherited methods work.
Speak() method in Dog class overrides the speak() method in the Animal superclass.
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Jan 06, 2024
Method Overloading
Method Overloading involves methods with the same name but varying in the number of parameters.
SetCoordinates(int, int) and setCoordinates(int, int, int) are overloaded methods.
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Jan 06, 2024
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Method Overriding
It allows a subclass to modify the behavior of a method inherited from its superclass.
Display() method in the subclass overrides the same method in its superclass.
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Jan 06, 2024
Method Overloading
Method Overloading allows different methods to have the same name with different parameters.
Add(int, int) and add(double, double) are examples of method overloading.
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Jan 06, 2024
Method Overriding
It enables subclasses to have methods with the same signature as in their superclass but with different implementations.
Draw() method overridden in Circle class which is inherited from Shape class.
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Jan 06, 2024
Method Overloading
Method Overloading enables methods within a class to perform different tasks with the same method name.
CalculateArea(circle) and calculateArea(rectangle) are overloading methods.
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Jan 06, 2024
Method Overriding
Method Overriding is used to provide a new version of a method inherited from a parent class.
Overriding calculateSalary() in Manager class from the Employee superclass.
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Jan 06, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can method overloading occur across different classes?
Yes, it can occur within the same class or across subclasses.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
What is an example of method overloading?
print(String) and print(int) in the same class demonstrate method overloading.
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Jan 16, 2024
Why use method overloading?
It increases code readability and allows methods to perform different functions based on parameter types or counts.
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Jan 16, 2024
What is method overloading?
Method overloading is defining multiple methods with the same name but different parameters in a class.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Why is method overriding used?
To provide specific implementations of a method in a subclass that already exists in the superclass.
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Jan 16, 2024
Can method overriding change the method's return type?
The return type in method overriding should be the same or a subtype of the method in the superclass.
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Jan 16, 2024
What is the key difference between overloading and overriding?
Overloading deals with multiple methods with the same name but different parameters, while overriding involves redefining a superclass method in a subclass.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Can we override static methods?
No, static methods belong to the class, not instances, and cannot be overridden.
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Jan 16, 2024
Is the return type important in method overloading?
No, methods can have different return types when overloaded.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
What is method overriding?
Method overriding occurs when a subclass redefines a method from its superclass.
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Jan 16, 2024
Can method overriding occur in the same class?
No, it occurs between a superclass and its subclass.
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Jan 16, 2024
Is method overriding related to polymorphism?
Yes, it's a form of runtime polymorphism.
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Jan 16, 2024
Can overloaded methods have different access modifiers?
Yes, overloaded methods can have different access modifiers.
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Jan 16, 2024
Are method overloading and constructor overloading similar?
Yes, both involve having the same name but different parameters.
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Jan 16, 2024
Does method overloading affect method execution time?
No, it's determined at compile time and doesn't affect runtime.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Can we override methods that are declared final?
No, methods declared as final cannot be overridden.
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Jan 16, 2024
Is it mandatory to override all methods in a subclass?
No, only the necessary methods need to be overridden.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
Is it possible to overload methods in different interfaces?
Yes, methods in different interfaces can be overloaded.
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Jan 16, 2024
How does method overloading support polymorphism?
It supports compile-time polymorphism by allowing different methods to have the same name but operate differently based on their parameters.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
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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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