Polymorphism Vs Overriding Vs Overloading in Java

Polymorphism, overloading, and overriding are related concepts in Java, but they have distinct meanings and purposes.

Polymorphism

Polymorphism refers to the ability of an object to take on many forms. In Java, polymorphism can be achieved through inheritance and interface implementation. It allows objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass or interface. Polymorphism enables code flexibility and extensibility by allowing methods to be overridden and objects to be accessed through their superclass or interface types.

Overloading

Overloading, on the other hand, is a mechanism in Java that allows multiple methods in the same class to have the same name but different parameters. It enables the programmer to define multiple methods with different parameter lists and return types. Overloaded methods are differentiated based on the number, type, and order of their parameters. Overloading improves code readability and allows methods with similar functionality to be conveniently grouped together.

Overriding

Overriding, also known as method overriding, occurs when a subclass provides its own implementation of a method that is already defined in its superclass. The overridden method in the subclass must have the same name, return type, and parameters as the method in the superclass. Method overriding is used to achieve runtime polymorphism, where the appropriate method implementation is determined based on the actual object type at runtime. Overriding allows subclasses to customize or extend the behavior of inherited methods from the superclass.

Conclusion

Polymorphism is a broader concept that encompasses both overloading and overriding. Overloading deals with methods having the same name but different parameters within a class, while overriding involves providing a new implementation of a method in a subclass that is already defined in the superclass.