Overriding vs. Overloading: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 16, 2023
Overriding provides a new implementation for an inherited method in a subclass. Overloading allows multiple methods with the same name but different parameters in the same class.
Key Differences
Overriding is a concept rooted in object-oriented programming. It allows a subclass to offer a specific implementation of a method already provided by its parent class. On the contrary, overloading does not concern inheritance but is about defining multiple methods in the same class with the same name but with different parameters.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
In overriding, the method in the subclass should have the same name, return type, and parameters as the method in the parent class. Overloading, however, is about the flexibility of method invocation. It allows different methods to have the same name as long as they have a different set of parameters, differentiating them from each other.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
It's crucial to understand that overriding is closely related to runtime polymorphism. It's during the execution of the program that the JVM decides which method to call, based on the object's type. Overloading, on the other hand, relates to compile-time polymorphism. The method invoked is determined at compile time based on the method signature.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Another crucial distinction is that overriding is governed by specific rules. For instance, the access privilege of the overriding method can't be more restrictive than the overridden method. Overloading, in contrast, isn't constrained this way. As long as methods have a distinct parameter list, they can be overloaded irrespective of their access privileges or return types.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Provides new implementation for an inherited method.
Allows multiple methods with the same name but different parameters.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
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Method Name & Type
Must be the same as the parent class
Must be the same but parameters can differ
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Access Privileges
Cannot be more restrictive than the parent class
No specific constraint
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Use Case
Specific implementation in subclasses
Flexibility in method invocation with different parameters
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
Overriding and Overloading Definitions
Overriding
It provides a mechanism to achieve runtime polymorphism in object-oriented languages.
By overriding the move method, the car object at runtime behaves differently from the vehicle object.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
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Overloading
Overloading allows defining multiple methods with the same name but different parameters within a class.
The display method can be overloaded to show either text or images based on the provided parameters.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
Overriding
Overriding ensures that the method signature remains consistent across parent and child classes.
The overriding calculate method in the finance module retains the same parameters as in the base module.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Overloading
Overloading is independent of method return types, focusing solely on parameter differences.
The overloading retrieve method can return a string for one set of parameters and an integer for another.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Overriding
Overriding enables a subclass to either extend or replace functionalities of its superclass.
The game character's attack method, when overridden, uses a different weapon than the one specified in the general character class.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Overloading
Overloading is a form of compile-time polymorphism in programming languages.
Through overloading, the merge function can combine either two lists or two strings during compile time.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
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Overriding
It's a way to provide a specific behavior in a subclass while adhering to a general contract set by the parent class.
Overriding the printInfo method lets the student object provide specific details while following the structure set by the person class.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Overloading
It lets programmers utilize the same method name in different contexts, enhancing code readability.
By overloading the filter method, users can easily understand its purpose, whether it's filtering names or dates.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Overriding
Overriding allows a subclass to offer its version of a method present in its parent class.
In the derived class, the draw method overriding the one in the base class gives a different output.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
Overloading
It provides flexibility in method invocation by allowing varied arguments.
The overloading of the add function lets it work with both integers and decimals.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Overriding
First in priority; more important than all others
Our overriding concern is the eradication of illiteracy.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 10, 2015
Overloading
(object-oriented) A type of polymorphism, where different functions, operators or variables with the same name are invoked based on the data types of the parameters passed.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 10, 2015
Overloading
The loading of a vehicle etc. with too heavy a weight.
Operators can be fined for overloading of vehicles.
Sumera Saeed
Jan 10, 2015
FAQs
Is the return type considered when overriding a method?
Yes, in many languages, the return type should match when overriding a method.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
Can overloading occur across multiple classes?
No, overloading is typically confined to a single class with methods differing in parameters.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Can we overload a method based on return types?
No, overloading is based on parameter differences, not return types.
Harlon Moss
Oct 16, 2023
What is overriding in programming?
Overriding allows a subclass to provide a specific implementation of a method already defined in its parent class.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Why is overriding important in object-oriented programming?
Overriding supports polymorphism, allowing subclasses to provide specific behaviors while adhering to a general structure set by the parent class.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Is it possible to overload constructors?
Yes, constructors can be overloaded with different parameters to instantiate objects in various ways.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
Why can't we override static methods?
Static methods belong to the class, not an instance. Thus, their behavior isn't subject to change based on object state.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Is it necessary for the overridden methods to throw the same exceptions?
In many languages like Java, the overriding method should not throw broader exceptions than the overridden method.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
How is overloading different from overriding?
Overloading allows multiple methods with the same name but different parameters, while overriding provides a new implementation for an inherited method.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 16, 2023
What's the main advantage of method overloading?
It increases code readability and reusability by allowing the same method name to work in different contexts.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
How does method overloading support flexibility in programming?
It allows programmers to define methods that perform similar tasks but handle different data types or different numbers of arguments, providing adaptability in method invocation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
What happens if we try to override a method without matching its signature?
It won't be considered as overriding; instead, it may be treated as overloading if the parameters differ.
Janet White
Oct 16, 2023
Does overriding affect method accessibility?
Yes, the overriding method cannot have more restrictive access than the method it overrides.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
How do languages like Java support overriding?
Java uses the @Override annotation to indicate a method is intended to override a method in a superclass.
Harlon Moss
Oct 16, 2023
How does the compiler distinguish between overloaded methods?
It differentiates based on the number, type, and sequence of parameters in the method signature.
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
Can a static method be overridden?
No, static methods belong to the class, not instances, and thus cannot be overridden.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Can you provide an example of a scenario where overloading is useful?
In a graphics program, a draw method can be overloaded to handle shapes like circles, rectangles, or lines based on different parameters.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 16, 2023
Does method overriding mean the original method disappears?
No, the original method still exists, but the subclass version takes precedence when invoked using a subclass object.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Can we overload methods based solely on return type differences?
No, the methods must differ in parameters, not just return types, to be overloaded.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 16, 2023
Can we overload main() method in Java?
Yes, the main method can be overloaded, but the JVM only calls the one with a single argument of type String[].
Sara Rehman
Oct 16, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
