Method Overloading vs. Method Overriding in C#

Method overriding in c#, Method overloading in c#, difference between method overloading and method overriding in c#, method overloading vs method overriding in c#. those questions are often asked in programming interviews therefore let’s practice them in this post.

Welcome back visitors, In beginner-level interviews, candidates are often asked about ‘method overloading’ and ‘method overriding’ also known as ‘function overloading’ and ‘function overriding’ in programming. Understanding these concepts is crucial as they form the backbone of object-oriented programming (OOP) principles in C#. This article will guide you through both concepts, providing clear examples and explanations.

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Understand Method Overloading

Before diving into the programming part and exploring examples of function overloading, let’s first understand the definition.

Method Overloading allows a class to have multiple methods with the same name but different parameters. This is also known as compile-time polymorphism.

Example:

Imagine we have a class called Calculator. This class has several Add methods: one to add integers, another to add doubles, and even one to add arrays. This way, no matter what you need to add, the Calculator has got you covered.

Just keep your focus on method name ‘Add’ all methods have same name but deferent data types in parameters if you still not able to understand please follow this article where I have mentioned function overloading in depth with example.

public class Calculator
{
    public int Add(int a, int b) => a + b;
    public double Add(double a, double b) => a + b;
    public int Add(int[] numbers) => numbers.Sum();
}

Understand Method Overriding

Imagine you have a class called Animal with a method called makeSound(). Now, if you create a subclass called Dog that also has a makeSound() method, the Dog’s version will be used when you call makeSound() on a Dog object.

Method Overriding allows a subclass to provide a specific implementation of a method that is already defined in its superclass. This is known as runtime polymorphism.

Example:

Imagine we have a base class called Animal with a method called MakeSound. Now, suppose we have a derived class called Dog that has its own version of the MakeSound method.

Method Overriding allows a subclass to provide a specific implementation of a method that is already defined in its superclass. This is known as runtime polymorphism.

Let’s implement function overriding in programming.

public class Animal
{
    public virtual void MakeSound() => Console.WriteLine("Animal sound");
}

public class Dog : Animal
{
    public override void MakeSound() => Console.WriteLine("Bark");
}

In this example, the Animal class has a method called MakeSound that prints ‘Animal sound’. The virtual keyword is used to indicate that this method can be overridden in a derived class.

Now, we have a derived class called Dog that has its own version of the MakeSound method. By using the override keyword, the Dog class tells the compiler that it is providing a specific implementation of the MakeSound method that is already defined in its superclass, Animal.

So, when you call the MakeSound method on an instance of Dog, it will print ‘Bark’, demonstrating how method overriding works. This allows the Dog class to provide its own specific behavior for the MakeSound method, which is different from the base class Animal.

Differences Between Method Overloading and Method Overriding

I trust that you’ve grasped the distinctions outlined in the table regarding method overloading and method overriding. However, if the table proved to be unclear, there’s no cause for concern. I’ll be offering further elucidation through additional, real-world examples below.

So, think of method overloading like having multiple options at a restaurant menu with the same dish name but different ingredients or preparation methods. It’s all about adding more methods with the same name but with different parameters. This is handy when you want to perform similar actions but with varying data types or number of parameters. No fancy keywords needed here, just define your methods with different parameters, and you’re good to go!

On the other hand, method overriding is like inheriting your mom’s recipe but giving it your own twist. It’s all about changing the behavior of a method that you’ve inherited from a superclass in your subclass. This gives you the flexibility to customize the functionality to suit your subclass’s specific needs. To do this, you use the override keyword in your subclass to indicate that you’re providing a new implementation of a method already defined in the superclass, which was marked with the virtual keyword. It’s like saying, “Hey, superclass, I’m changing things up a bit here!

Examples of Method Overloading in C#

Overloading methods in a MathOperations class to handle different data types.

public class MathOperations
{
    public int Multiply(int a, int b) => a * b;
    public double Multiply(double a, double b) => a * b;
    public decimal Multiply(decimal a, decimal b) => a * b;
}

Examples of Method Overriding in C#

Overriding methods in a Vehicle class hierarchy.

public class Vehicle
{
    public virtual void StartEngine() => Console.WriteLine("Engine started");
}

public class Car : Vehicle
{
    public override void StartEngine() => Console.WriteLine("Car engine started");
}

Summarizing Method Overloading vs Method Overriding

In summary, method overloading and method overriding are fundamental concepts in C# that facilitate polymorphism. Overloading enables multiple methods with the same name but different parameters within the same class, while overriding allows a subclass to modify the behavior of an inherited method. Understanding these concepts is essential for writing flexible and reusable code in object-oriented programming.

By following these steps, you can effectively distinguish and implement method overloading and method overriding in C#.