What is the Difference Between Static Binding and Dynamic Binding?

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The main difference between static binding and dynamic binding lies in the time when the binding between a method call and its implementation is resolved:

  • Static Binding (also known as Early Binding): This type of binding is resolved at compile-time. It uses the type information of the class and fields. Static binding is better performance-wise, as no extra overhead is required. Examples of static binding include private, final, and static methods and variables.
  • Dynamic Binding (also known as Late Binding): In this case, the binding between a method call and its implementation is resolved at runtime. Dynamic binding uses objects to resolve the binding. This type of binding is an example of polymorphism and is used in method overriding.

Here are some key differences between static and dynamic binding:

Sr. No. Key Static Binding Dynamic Binding
1 Binding Time Compile Time Run Time
2 Resolve Mechanism Type of the class and fields Object
3 Example Overloading Method Overriding

In summary, static binding is resolved at compile-time using type information, while dynamic binding is resolved at runtime using objects, allowing for polymorphism and method overriding.

Comparative Table: Static Binding vs Dynamic Binding

Here is a table comparing static binding and dynamic binding:

Feature Static Binding Dynamic Binding
Binding Time Compile time Run time
Resolution Mechanism Type of the class and fields Object
Type of Methods Private, final, and static methods and variables Virtual methods
Examples Overloading Method overriding

Static binding occurs at compile time and uses the type of the class and fields to resolve references. Examples of static binding include private, final, and static methods and variables. On the other hand, dynamic binding takes place at run time and uses objects to resolve references. Method overriding is an example of dynamic binding.