Module 28: Method Overriding

🔁 What is Method Overriding?

Method overriding occurs when a subclass provides a specific implementation of a method that is already defined in its parent class. It allows runtime polymorphism in Java.

📌 Rules for Method Overriding

• The method must have the same name and parameters.
• The return type must be the same or a subtype (covariant).
• The access level can't be more restrictive.
• Only inherited methods can be overridden.

🧪 Example: Method Overriding

                    class Animal {
                      void sound() {
                        System.out.println("Animal makes a sound");
                      }
                    }
                    
                    class Dog extends Animal {
                      @Override
                      void sound() {
                        System.out.println("Dog barks");
                      }
                    }
                    
                    public class Main {
                      public static void main(String[] args) {
                        Animal a = new Dog();
                        a.sound();  // Output: Dog barks (runtime polymorphism)
                      }
                    }

🎯 Why Use Method Overriding?

• Supports runtime polymorphism
• Enhances code flexibility and extensibility
• Allows subclass-specific behavior for inherited methods