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Method Hiding in Java - (BCA / B.Tech)

What is Method Hiding in Java?

Method hiding is a concept that applies specifically to static methods in an inheritance hierarchy. If a subclass defines a static method that has the same signature (name and parameter list) as a static method in its superclass, the subclass's method hides the superclass's method instead of overriding it.

The key difference is how the method call is resolved. Method hiding uses compile-time binding (static binding), meaning the method that gets called is determined by the reference type, not the object type at runtime.

Method Hiding vs. Method Overriding:

Feature	Method Hiding	Method Overriding
Applies to	`static` methods	Instance (non-static) methods
Binding	Compile-time (Static)	Run-time (Dynamic)
Resolution	Based on the reference type	Based on the object type

Example:


class Parent {
    static void display() {
        System.out.println("Static method from Parent");
    }
}

class Child extends Parent {
    // This static method HIDES the one in the Parent class
    static void display() {
        System.out.println("Static method from Child");
    }
}

public class Main {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Parent p = new Child();
        
        // The reference type is Parent, so the Parent's static method is called.
        // The fact that `p` points to a Child object is irrelevant for static methods.
        p.display(); 
    }
}

Output:

Static method from Parent

Method Hiding in Java

What is Method Hiding in Java?

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