Method Overloading

Method overloading is a programming concept that allows multiple methods in a class to have the same name but different parameters (e.g., type, number, or order). It enables developers to create more readable and intuitive APIs by providing different ways to call a method based on the input arguments. This is commonly supported in statically-typed languages like Java, C#, and C++.

Also known as: Function Overloading, Overloaded Methods, Polymorphism (compile-time), Static Polymorphism, Method Overload

Why learn Method Overloading?

Developers should use method overloading when they need to perform similar operations with different types or numbers of inputs, such as in mathematical functions (e.g., add integers vs. add floats) or constructors for object initialization. It improves code clarity by avoiding multiple method names for similar tasks and enhances flexibility in API design, making libraries easier to use.

Learning Resources

• docs: Oracle Java Tutorials: Defining Methods
• tutorial: GeeksforGeeks: Method Overloading in Java
• docs: Microsoft Learn: Method Overloading in C#
• video: YouTube: Method Overloading Explained (Java)
• tutorial: W3Schools: Java Method Overloading