Java Polymorphism

Polymorphism in Java refers to the ability of objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass. It includes:

Compile-Time Polymorphism:

• Achieved through method overloading, where methods have the same name but different parameter lists.
• Example:

class Calculator {
    int add(int num1, int num2) {
        return num1 + num2;
    }

    double add(double num1, double num2) {
        return num1 + num2;
    }
}

Runtime Polymorphism:

• Achieved through method overriding, where subclasses provide a specific implementation of a method defined in their superclass.
• Example:

class Animal {
    void makeSound() {
        System.out.println("Animal makes a sound");
    }
}

class Dog extends Animal {
    void makeSound() {
        System.out.println("Dog barks");
    }
}

 

Summary

Polymorphism allows for code flexibility and reuse, enhancing the modularity and maintainability of Java applications. Understanding both compile-time and runtime polymorphism is essential for effective Java programming.