What is Polymorphism in Java, and How Does it Differ from Overriding and Overloading?

Polymorphism: A Multi-faceted Approach

In the realm of Java, encountering queries regarding polymorphism can often lead to discussions of both overriding and overloading. However, the concept extends beyond these two distinct features.

Delineating Overriding and Overloading

Overloading refers to the situation where multiple methods in the same class possess the same name but differ in parameter(s). On the other hand, overriding involves a subclass redefining a method inherited from its superclass using the same name, signature, and return type.

Polymorphism: A Broader Perspective

Polymorphism, encompassing both overriding and overloading, revolves around the ability of objects of different classes (derived from a common superclass or interface) to share a method with the same name but different implementations.

Abstract Base Classes and Method Definition

Consider the example of an abstract base class "Human" defining an abstract method "goPee()". This method cannot be implemented by "Human" itself, but rather by its subclasses. Defining "goPee()" in the subclasses "Male" and "Female" constitutes overriding, not overloading.

Implementing Polymorphism

Through an abstract base class, it becomes possible to implement polymorphism by letting objects of subclasses (e.g., "Male" and "Female") respond differently to the same method invocation (e.g., "goPee()"). This allows for dynamic binding, where the specific implementation is chosen based on the object's actual class rather than its declared type.

Example: Human Pee Behavior

The provided code illustrates how to implement a polymorphic "goPee()" method via abstract classes and subclasses. An array list of "Human" objects can be instructed to "goPee()". Males and females will exhibit distinct behaviors due to the overridden implementations in their respective subclasses.

In essence, polymorphism is a powerful mechanism enabling objects to invoke methods that behave differently depending on the object's actual class, fostering code flexibility and reusability.

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