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Method Overloading vs. Method Overriding: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 16, 2024
Method Overloading involves multiple methods with the same name but different parameters, while Method Overriding involves redefining a method of a parent class in its subclass.
Method Overloading vs. Method Overriding

Key Differences

Method Overloading occurs within a single class where multiple methods share the same name but differ in the number or type of parameters. Method Overriding, on the other hand, happens when a subclass has a method with the same name and parameter list as a method in its parent class, allowing it to provide a specific implementation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024
In Method Overloading, the return type of methods can vary, and it's primarily used to increase the readability of the program. Method Overriding is used to provide the specific implementation of a method that is already provided by its superclass, and the return type should be the same or a subtype.
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Method Overloading is an example of compile-time polymorphism where the method to be executed is determined at compile time. In contrast, Method Overriding is a case of runtime polymorphism where the method to be executed is determined at runtime.
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Method Overloading allows methods to perform different functions based on the parameters passed. In Method Overriding, the child class provides a specific implementation for a method that already exists in the parent class.
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Jan 16, 2024
Method Overloading can occur in the same class or in a subclass. However, Method Overriding specifically involves a method in a subclass that overrides a method in its superclass.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Having multiple methods with the same name but different parameters in a class.
Redefining a method of a parent class in its subclass.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 16, 2024

Purpose

To enhance readability and code organization.
To provide specific implementation in the subclass.
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Polymorphism Type

Compile-time polymorphism.
Runtime polymorphism.
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Return Type

Can be different.
Must be the same or a subtype.
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Scope

Within the same class or subclasses.
Only in subclasses overriding superclass methods.
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Jan 16, 2024
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Method Overloading and Method Overriding Definitions

Method Overloading

It offers a way for a method to have the same name but operate on different types of data.
Draw(shape) and draw(color) show method overloading with different data types.
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Method Overriding

Method Overriding occurs when a subclass provides a specific implementation for a method in its superclass.
A Bird class overriding the move() method of an Animal class.
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Method Overloading

It's a way to create multiple methods with the same name but different parameter lists.
Print(String) and print(int) demonstrate method overloading.
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Method Overriding

Method Overriding lets subclasses redefine how inherited methods work.
Speak() method in Dog class overrides the speak() method in the Animal superclass.
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Method Overloading

Method Overloading involves methods with the same name but varying in the number of parameters.
SetCoordinates(int, int) and setCoordinates(int, int, int) are overloaded methods.
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Method Overriding

It allows a subclass to modify the behavior of a method inherited from its superclass.
Display() method in the subclass overrides the same method in its superclass.
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Method Overloading

Method Overloading allows different methods to have the same name with different parameters.
Add(int, int) and add(double, double) are examples of method overloading.
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Method Overriding

It enables subclasses to have methods with the same signature as in their superclass but with different implementations.
Draw() method overridden in Circle class which is inherited from Shape class.
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Method Overloading

Method Overloading enables methods within a class to perform different tasks with the same method name.
CalculateArea(circle) and calculateArea(rectangle) are overloading methods.
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Method Overriding

Method Overriding is used to provide a new version of a method inherited from a parent class.
Overriding calculateSalary() in Manager class from the Employee superclass.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can method overloading occur across different classes?

Yes, it can occur within the same class or across subclasses.
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Jan 16, 2024

What is an example of method overloading?

print(String) and print(int) in the same class demonstrate method overloading.
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Why use method overloading?

It increases code readability and allows methods to perform different functions based on parameter types or counts.
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What is method overloading?

Method overloading is defining multiple methods with the same name but different parameters in a class.
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Why is method overriding used?

To provide specific implementations of a method in a subclass that already exists in the superclass.
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Can method overriding change the method's return type?

The return type in method overriding should be the same or a subtype of the method in the superclass.
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What is the key difference between overloading and overriding?

Overloading deals with multiple methods with the same name but different parameters, while overriding involves redefining a superclass method in a subclass.
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Can we override static methods?

No, static methods belong to the class, not instances, and cannot be overridden.
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Is the return type important in method overloading?

No, methods can have different return types when overloaded.
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What is method overriding?

Method overriding occurs when a subclass redefines a method from its superclass.
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Can method overriding occur in the same class?

No, it occurs between a superclass and its subclass.
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Is method overriding related to polymorphism?

Yes, it's a form of runtime polymorphism.
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Can overloaded methods have different access modifiers?

Yes, overloaded methods can have different access modifiers.
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Are method overloading and constructor overloading similar?

Yes, both involve having the same name but different parameters.
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Does method overloading affect method execution time?

No, it's determined at compile time and doesn't affect runtime.
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Can we override methods that are declared final?

No, methods declared as final cannot be overridden.
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Is it mandatory to override all methods in a subclass?

No, only the necessary methods need to be overridden.
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Is it possible to overload methods in different interfaces?

Yes, methods in different interfaces can be overloaded.
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Can constructors be overridden?

No, constructors cannot be overridden.
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How does method overloading support polymorphism?

It supports compile-time polymorphism by allowing different methods to have the same name but operate differently based on their parameters.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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