The word polymorphism means having many
forms.
What is Polymorphism in Java?
Polymorphism is considered one of the important features of Object-Oriented
Programming. Polymorphism allows us to perform a single action in different
ways. In other words, polymorphism allows you to define one interface and
have multiple implementations. The word “poly” means many and “morphs”
means forms, So it means many forms.
Types of Java Polymorphism
In Java Polymorphism is mainly divided into two types:
Compile-time Polymorphism
Runtime Polymorphism
Compile-Time Polymorphism in Java
It is also known as static polymorphism. This type of polymorphism is
achieved by function overloading or operator overloading.
Note: But Java doesn’t support the Operator Overloading.
Method Overloading
When there are multiple functions with the same
name but different parameters then these functions
are said to be overloaded. Functions can be
overloaded by changes in the number of arguments
or/and a change in the type of arguments.
// Java Program for Method overloading
// By using Different Types of Arguments
// Class 1
// Helper class
class Helper {
// Method with 2 integer parameters
static int Multiply(int a, int b)
// Returns product of integer numbers
return a * b;
// Method 2
// With same name but with 2 double parameters
static double Multiply(double a, double b)
// Returns product of double numbers
return a * b;
}
// Class 2
// Main class
class GFG {
// Main driver method
public static void main(String[] args)
// Calling method by passing
// input as in arguments
System.out.println(Helper.Multiply(2, 4));
System.out.println(Helper.Multiply(5.5,
6.3));
Output
8
34.65
Subtypes of Compile-time Polymorphism
1. Function Overloading
It is a feature in C++ where multiple functions can have the same name but
with different parameter lists. The compiler will decide which function to call
based on the number and types of arguments passed to the function.
2. Operator Overloading
It is a feature in C++ where the operators such as
+, -, *, etc. can be given additional meanings
when applied to user-defined data types.
3. Template
it is a powerful feature in C++ that allows us to
write generic functions and classes. A template is
a blueprint for creating a family of functions or
classes.
Runtime Polymorphism in Java
It is also known as Dynamic Method Dispatch. It is
a process in which a function call to the
overridden method is resolved at Runtime. This
type of polymorphism is achieved by Method
Overriding. Method overriding, on the other
hand, occurs when a derived class has a
definition for one of the member functions of the
base class. That base function is said to
be overridden.
// Java Program for Method Overriding
// Class 1
// Helper class
class Parent {
// Method of parent class
void Print()
// Print statement
System.out.println("parent class");
// Class 2
// Helper class
class subclass1 extends Parent {
// Method
void Print()
{ System.out.println("subclass1"); }
// Class 3
// Helper class
class subclass2 extends Parent {
// Method
void Print()
// Print statement
System.out.println("subclass2");
}
// Class 4
// Main class
class GFG {
// Main driver method
public static void main(String[] args)
// Creating object of class 1
Parent a;
// Now we will be calling print
methods
// inside main() method
a = new subclass1();
a.Print();
a = new subclass2();
a.Print();
Output
subclass1
subclass2
Subtype of Run-time Polymorphism
i. Virtual functions
It allows an object of a derived class to behave as
if it were an object of the base class. The derived
class can override the virtual function of the base
class to provide its own implementation. The
function call is resolved at runtime, depending on
the actual type of the object.
Advantages of Polymorphism in Java
1.Increases code reusability by allowing objects of
different classes to be treated as objects of a
common class.
2.Improves readability and maintainability of code
by reducing the amount of code that needs to
be written and maintained.
3.Supports dynamic binding, enabling the correct
method to be called at runtime, based on the
actual class of the object.
4.Enables objects to be treated as a single type,
making it easier to write generic code that can
handle objects of different types.
Disadvantages of Polymorphism in Java
1.Can make it more difficult to understand the
behavior of an object, especially if the code is
complex.
2.This may lead to performance issues, as
polymorphic behavior may require additional
computations at runtime.
