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Method Hiding in Java

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🎭 Java Method Hiding vs. Overriding​

In Java, you can't override private, static, or final methods from the parent class in a child class. If you try with private or final methods, the compiler will scream at you with errors. But with static methods? The compiler is like, "Go ahead, but don't call it overriding!" 😆

When you declare static methods with the same name and arguments in both parent and child classes, Java calls it method hiding, not overriding. For non-static methods, it's real method overriding.

1️⃣ Understanding Method Hiding with an Example​

Check out this code where both Parent and Child classes have a static method display(). Everything compiles fine, no compiler tantrums here. 🎉

class Parent {
  static void display() {
    System.out.println("Super");
  }
}

class Child extends Parent {
  static void display() {
    System.out.println("Sub");
  }
}

Now, let’s test it:

Parent instance = new Child();
instance.display(); // Prints: Super

Wait, what? Shouldn’t it print Sub? 🤔 Nope! Since display() is static, Java binds it to the reference type (Parent) at compile time. Static methods belong to the class, not instances!

2️⃣ Can We Override Static Methods by Making Them Non-static in Child Class?​

Nope! 🚫 Java won't let you remove the static keyword in the child class if the parent method is static. If you try, the compiler will rage quit and throw an error. 💥

If we change the display() method in Child to a non-static method:

class Child extends Parent {
  void display() {  // ❌ ERROR: Can't override static method
    System.out.println("Sub");
  }
}

Java compiler: "Excuse me, what are you trying to do?" 🤨

3️⃣ Conclusion 🏁​

In Java, method overriding applies only to instance methods. When it comes to static methods, it’s called method hiding, because static methods belong to the class, not instances.

So, remember: ✅ Instance methods → Can be overridden. ✅ Static methods → Can only be hidden. ✅ Final and Private methods → Cannot be overridden (Java won’t even negotiate this one! 🙅‍♂️).

📚 Even the Java Language Specification confirms this! So if anyone tells you otherwise, hand them this doc and watch them go: 😲

Happy Learning! 🚀