Final field question

[derrickD]

Why am I allowed to overwrite the final field PRIZE in a subclass? I expected a compile error but got nothing.

Code:

class Final {
    public static final String PRIZE = "$64,000";
}

public class TestFinal extends Final {
    public static final String PRIZE = "2 cents";

    public static void main(String[] args) {
      System.out.println(TestFinal.PRIZE);
    }
}

[pegitha]

The final modifier is different for methods than fields. On a method final means it may not be overridden or hidden. On a field, final means the field may not be assigned more than once. If you really want to make sure it keeps its original value then make a final method that returns the field.

Code:

public static final String getPrize(){
  return PRIZE;
}