Polymorphism in Java

A fundamental idea in object-oriented programming, polymorphism is a vital component of the Java programming language. It enables more flexible and general code design by allowing objects of several classes to be viewed as belonging to a single superclass.

Java supports runtime (or dynamic) polymorphism in addition to compile-time (or static) polymorphism.

Compile-Time Polymorphism (Method Overloading): 

Method overloading, also known as compile-time polymorphism, happens when many methods in the same class have the same name but different parameters. Based on the quantity and kind of arguments given during the method call, the Java compiler chooses which method to invoke.

class Calculator {

    int add(int a, int b) {

        return a + b;

    }   

    double add(double a, double b) {

        return a + b;

    }

}

The add method in this illustration is overloaded to accept both integer and double parameters.

Runtime Polymorphism (Method Overriding):

When a subclass offers a particular implementation for a method that is already specified in its superclass, this phenomenon is known as runtime polymorphism (method overriding). Based on the actual object type, a choice is made about which method to invoke at runtime.

class Shape {

    void draw() {

        System.out.println("Drawing a shape");

    }

}

class Circle extends Shape {

    @Override

    void draw() {

        System.out.println("Drawing a circle");

    }

}

class Square extends Shape {

    @Override

    void draw() {

        System.out.println("Drawing a square");

    }

}

In this illustration, the draw method from the Shape class is overridden by the Circle and Square classes. Depending on the kind of object being referenced to at runtime, a specific method must be called.

In Java, polymorphism is accomplished through interfaces and method overriding. To remember, have the following in mind:

• In order to achieve code reuse and develop adaptable, extendable programs, polymorphism is a necessity.
• The method declaration is located in the base class (superclass), while the method implementations are provided by the subclasses (method overriding).
• A method in a subclass that is meant to override a method in the superclass is indicated by the @Override annotation. If there is a mismatch in the method signatures, this aids in the compilation of errors.
• Because of polymorphism, you can create code that interacts with objects of various subclasses without having to understand their precise types.

In conclusion, Java's polymorphism feature enables you to write more modular, adaptable, and manageable code by allowing various objects to be handled uniformly regardless of their true types.