Can we override static method?

[srinivasmallabathula]

In some books I found we cannot override static methods. But some books are supporting this. The following code is working fine.

class Compare
{
public static void add()
{
int a=10,b=15;
int c = a+b;
System.out.println("Sum is"+c);
}
}
class Comparesub extends Compare
{
public static void add()
{
System.out.println("Hello ");
}
public static void main(String a[])
{
Comparesub.add();

}
}

o/p:Hello

then why java doesn't support overriding with static methods?

[JosAH]

Static methods cannot be overridden, in your example the (static) method add() is hidden by the (static) method in your subclass.

kind regards,

Jos

[lovelesh]

As JosAH rightly said, compiler would not complain about anything and your program would compile successfully.

In order to access base class version, you will have to make a call like this: BaseClass.staticMethod
Without this, your subclass method will get called (because you have hidden base class method).

[vivekjustthink]

Hi friend, you must be clear that the static functions are not bound to any objects of the class rather it's only to the class. And that's the reason why it's called with the class name. So a very clear point that can be stated from the above is that "The Static methods cannot be Inherited". And the overwriting concept comes only when you inherit properties of the superclass. So please don't confuse the inheritance concept and static concept. both are entirely different.