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What is Polymorphism?
Polymorphism, derived from the Greek words "poly" (many) and "morph" (form), refers to the ability of a single interface to represent different underlying forms (data types). It allows a single method or object to behave differently based on the context, such as the type of object invoking it or the method parameters. This capability is fundamental for designing flexible and maintainable code, enabling developers to write more generic and reusable components.
- Key Characteristics:
- Flexibility: Enables objects to be treated uniformly, reducing the complexity of code.
- Reusability: Promotes the reuse of existing code, minimizing redundancy.
- Maintainability: Simplifies code maintenance by allowing changes in one part of the program without affecting others.
Types of Polymorphism in Java
Java supports two primary types of polymorphism:
-
Compile-Time Polymorphism (Static Polymorphism):
Determined during the compilation process. The decision about which method to invoke is made at compile time based on the method signatures. -
Runtime Polymorphism (Dynamic Polymorphism):
Determined during runtime. The decision about which method to invoke is made during program execution based on the actual object's type.
Compile-Time Polymorphism vs. Runtime Polymorphism
| Aspect | Compile-Time Polymorphism | Runtime Polymorphism |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Determined during compilation. | Determined during execution. |
| Mechanism | Achieved through method overloading. | Achieved through method overriding. |
| Binding | Early binding (static binding). | Late binding (dynamic binding). |
| Performance Impact | Generally faster due to early binding. | Slightly slower due to dynamic binding. |
| Flexibility | Less flexible as method signatures must differ. | More flexible as it allows behavior to change at runtime. |
Note: While method overloading and overriding are mechanisms to achieve polymorphism, their detailed explanations are covered in subsequent lessons.
Polymorphism is a fundamental OOP concept that empowers Java developers to write flexible, reusable, and maintainable code. By allowing objects to take on multiple forms, polymorphism facilitates the design of generic interfaces and the implementation of dynamic behaviors based on object types.
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