Java polymorphism is a core concept in object-oriented programming that allows methods to perform differently based on the object's type. It encompasses method overloading and overriding, leveraging inheritance and interfaces to enable objects to be treated as instances of multiple types. This facilitates dynamic method dispatch, where the JVM determines the correct method at runtime, and ad hoc polymorphism, which allows methods to handle various argument types. Understanding polymorphism is key to creating extensible and maintainable Java applications.
Show More
Polymorphism is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming that allows for a single action to operate on different types of objects
Definition
Method overloading is a type of polymorphism in Java that allows a class to have multiple methods with the same name but different parameter lists
Function
Method overloading enables the same method to perform various functions based on input parameters
Definition
Method overriding occurs when a subclass provides a specific implementation for a method that is already defined in its superclass
Function
Method overriding allows for different behaviors depending on the object's runtime type
Inheritance creates a class hierarchy where a subclass inherits attributes and methods from a parent class, allowing for code reuse and extension
Definition
Interfaces are collections of abstract methods that establish a contract for classes to implement
Function
Interfaces ensure that classes provide behaviors as specified by the interface, enabling polymorphism in Java
Runtime polymorphism, also known as dynamic method dispatch, is a mechanism in Java where the method to be executed is determined at runtime based on the object's actual class
Upcasting, where a reference variable of a superclass type refers to an object of a subclass, enables runtime polymorphism in Java
Runtime polymorphism allows for dynamic behavior, ensuring that the correct version of an overridden method is executed at runtime
Compile-time polymorphism, achieved through method overloading, is resolved during the compilation process and relies on the method signature to determine which method to invoke
Runtime polymorphism, achieved through method overriding, is resolved during program execution and is based on the actual object's type
Ad hoc polymorphism, primarily realized through method overloading in Java, allows for functions to process arguments of different types in specific ways, enhancing the language's expressiveness and code versatility
00
In Java, ______ is a key concept in object-oriented programming that allows a single action to work with various object types.
Polymorphism
01
______ in Java lets a class have several methods sharing the same name but with distinct parameter lists.
Method overloading
02
Inheritance: Class Hierarchy Role
Establishes subclass-superclass relationships, enabling subclass to inherit attributes and methods for code reuse.
