What is the difference between method overloading and method overriding in Java, and how does each concept work?

Understanding the Difference between Method Overloading and Method Overriding in Java

When discussing Java programming, it is crucial to differentiate between method overloading and method overriding. Both concepts play a key role in object-oriented programming, but they serve different purposes and functionalities.

Method Overloading in Java

Method overloading refers to the ability to have multiple methods in the same class with the same name but different parameters. It allows developers to use the same method name for different functionalities based on the number or types of arguments passed to it. Method overloading is resolved during compile time based on the method signature.

Method Overriding in Java

Method overriding, on the other hand, involves creating a method in a subclass that has the same name, return type, and parameters as a method in its superclass. By doing so, the child class provides a specific implementation of the method inherited from the parent class. Method overriding is resolved during runtime based on the actual object type that calls the method.

How Each Concept Works

Method overloading allows for the creation of multiple methods with the same name but different parameter lists within the same class. This provides flexibility and enhances code readability by making methods more specific to their use cases.

Method overriding, on the contrary, enables polymorphic behavior in Java. When a method is called on an object, Java determines the appropriate method to execute based on the actual type of the object. This dynamic binding allows for flexibility in changing method implementations in subclass objects.

Both method overloading and method overriding are essential concepts in Java that contribute to code reusability, maintainability, and flexibility in object-oriented programming.