Method Overriding

Method Overriding means redefining a parent class method in the child class with the same name, return type and parameters. Used to implement runtime polymorphism and customize behavior.

Example

class Animal {
    void makeSound() {
        System.out.println("Default sound");
    }
}
 
class Dog extends Animal {
    @Override
    void makeSound() {
        System.out.println("Bark");
    }
}

Rules

Rule	isRequired
Same method name	✅
Same parameter list	✅
Same or covariant return type	✅
Must be inherited	✅
Use @Override annotation	✅ (recommended)
Access modifier can’t be more restrictive	✅

• Only instance methods can be overridden - not static methods.
• Private methods are not inherited, so can’t be overridden.
• Constructors can’t be overridden.

Comparison

Overriding vs Overloading

Feature	Overloading	Overriding
Occurs In	Same class	Subclass (inheritance)
Params	Must be different	Must be same
Return Type	Can differ	Must be same (or covariant)
Polymorphism Type	Compile-time	Runtime

Tip

Think “custom behavior in subclasses” when you hear overriding.
Use @Override to catch mistakes early - it’s not required, but highly recommended.

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Parent: _OOP Concepts