Misconceptions About Static and Private Method Overriding in Java

In Java, static as well as private method overriding is possible. Comment on the statement.why?

The statement that "static as well as private method overriding is possible" is not entirely accurate in the context of Java. Let's break it down:

Static Method Overriding

1. Static Methods: In Java, static methods belong to the class rather than to any specific instance of the class. Because of this, static methods are not subject to polymorphism in the same way that instance methods are.

2. Overriding: When we talk about method overriding, we typically refer to instance methods. Overriding occurs when a subclass provides a specific implementation of a method that is already defined in its superclass. This is based on the concept of dynamic method dispatch, which allows Java to determine at runtime which method to invoke based on the object's actual type.

3. Static Method Hiding: If a subclass defines a static method with the same name and parameters as a static method in its superclass, this is known as static method hiding, not overriding. The method that gets called is determined at compile time based on the reference type, not the object type. Therefore, static methods do not participate in the same overriding mechanism as instance methods.

Private Method Overriding

1. Private Methods: Private methods in Java are not visible to subclasses. This means that a subclass cannot override a private method from its superclass because it does not have access to it.

2. Hiding: If a subclass defines a method with the same name and parameters as a private method in its superclass, it does not override it; instead, it simply defines a new method that is unrelated to the private method in the superclass. The private method in the superclass remains inaccessible to the subclass.

Conclusion

• Static Methods: You cannot override static methods; you can only hide them. The method resolution is based on the reference type, not the object type.

• Private Methods: You cannot override private methods because they are not visible to subclasses. If a subclass defines a method with the same name, it is a new method, not an override.

In summary, while you can define static and private methods in subclasses, they do not participate in the overriding mechanism as instance methods do. Thus, the statement is misleading.