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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Overriding and Overloading?

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The main difference between overriding and overloading lies in the purpose and how they are implemented in Java programming:

Overloading:

  • Occurs within the same class.
  • Methods have the same name but different parameters (number or type).
  • Implements "compile-time polymorphism."
  • The method call is determined at compile time.
  • May or may not require inheritance.
  • Increases the readability of the program.

Overriding:

  • Occurs between a superclass and a subclass.
  • Methods have the same name and the same parameters (signature).
  • Implements "runtime polymorphism."
  • The method call is determined at runtime based on the object type.
  • Requires inheritance.
  • Provides a specific implementation of a method already provided by its superclass.

In summary, overloading allows multiple methods with the same name but different parameters in the same class, while overriding enables a subclass to provide a specific implementation of a method that is already provided by its superclass.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Overriding and Overloading?
  • Comparative Table: Overriding vs Overloading

    • Comparative Table: Overriding vs Overloading

    Here is a table that highlights the differences between overriding and overloading:

    Overriding Overloading
    Occurs when a subclass provides a different implementation for a method defined in the superclass Occurs when two or more methods in the same class have the same name but different parameters
    Implements runtime polymorphism Implements compile-time polymorphism
    Takes place between superclass and subclass Takes place between the methods in the same class
    Methods have the same signature (name and method arguments) Methods have the same name, but the parameters are different
    Requires inheritance May or may not require inheritance
    Method overriding always needs inheritance Method overloading may or may not require inheritance
    Method signature (name and parameters) must be the same in the superclass and the child class Methods must have the same name and different signatures
    The return type must be the same or co-variant The return type can or can not be the same, but the parameter must be changed
    Static binding is used for overriding methods Dynamic binding is used for overloading methods
    Static binding is used for overloaded methods Static binding is used for overloaded methods
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.