Method Overriding vs Overloading in Java

Method overriding and method overloading are both ways of achieving polymorphism in Java, but they have different meanings and usage scenarios.

Method override refers to the subclass redefining a method that already exists in the parent class, with the method name, parameter list, and return type all needing to be exactly the same. By overriding a method in the parent class, the subclass can implement its own unique logic, thus achieving polymorphism. Method override is mainly used to achieve runtime polymorphism.

Method overloading refers to the ability to have multiple methods with the same name within the same class, but with different parameter lists (different number, type, or order), and the return type can be the same or different. Method overloading is mainly used to provide more options for methods, making it easier for programmers to call different methods. Method overloading is primarily used to achieve compile-time polymorphism.

In summary, method overriding is when a subclass redefines a method from a parent class to achieve polymorphism, while method overloading is when multiple methods with the same name are defined within the same class to achieve compile-time polymorphism.