Function Overriding / Method Overriding in Java
If subclass (child class) has the same method as declared in
the parent class, it is known as method overriding in java. In
other words, If subclass provides the specific implementation of the method
that has been provided by one of its parent class, it is known as method
overriding.
Rules for Java Method Overriding
- method must have same name as in the parent class
- method must have same parameter as in the parent class
- must be IS-A relationship (inheritance).
- The argument list should be exactly the
same as that of the overridden method.
- The return
type should be the same or a subtype of the return type declared in the
original overridden method in the superclass.
- The access
level cannot be more restrictive than the overridden method's access level. For
example: If the superclass method is declared public then the overridding
method in the sub class cannot be either private or protected.
- Instance
methods can be overridden only if they are inherited by the subclass.
- A method
declared final cannot be overridden.
- A method
declared static cannot be overridden but can be re-declared.
- If a method
cannot be inherited, then it cannot be overridden.
- A subclass
within the same package as the instance's superclass can override any
superclass method that is not declared private or final.
- A subclass in
a different package can only override the non-final methods declared public or
protected.
- An overriding
method can throw any uncheck exceptions, regardless of whether the overridden
method throws exceptions or not. However, the overriding method should not throw
checked exceptions that are new or broader than the ones declared by the
overridden method. The overriding method can throw narrower or fewer exceptions
than the overridden method.
- Constructors
cannot be overridden
Usage of Java Method Overriding
- Method overriding is used to provide specific implementation of a method that is already provided by its super class.
- Method overriding is used for run-time polymorphism
Example of Overriding
class Bank{
int getRateOfInterest(){return 0;}
}
class SBI extends Bank{
int getRateOfInterest(){return 8;}
}
class ICICI extends Bank{
int getRateOfInterest(){return 7;}
}
class AXIS extends Bank{
int getRateOfInterest(){return 9;}
}
class Test2{
public static void main(String args[]){
SBI s=new SBI();
ICICI i=new ICICI();
AXIS a=new AXIS();
System.out.println("SBI Rate of Interest: "+s.getRateOfInterest());
System.out.println("ICICI Rate of Interest: "+i.getRateOfInterest());
System.out.println("AXIS Rate of Interest: "+a.getRateOfInterest());
}
}
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