Chapter 11: Problem 6

Under what circumstances would a subclass need to override a superclass method?

Short Answer

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Answer: A subclass may need to override a superclass method under various circumstances, such as extending or modifying the superclass method's functionality, improving performance or efficiency, or correcting an error or bug in the superclass method. This allows the subclass to tailor the inherited behavior to better suit its specific requirements.

Step by step solution

Introduction to Inheritance and Method Overriding

In object-oriented programming, inheritance is a mechanism that allows a class (subclass) to inherit properties and methods from another class (superclass). Method overriding occurs when a subclass provides a new implementation for an inherited method from its superclass. This new implementation replaces the original method in the superclass while maintaining the method's signature (name, parameters, and return type).

Circumstance 1: Extending the Functionality of the Superclass Method

One of the main reasons to override a superclass method is when the subclass needs to extend the functionality of the inherited method. In this case, the subclass can call the superclass method using the "super" keyword in addition to adding its own specific logic. This ensures that the new method will perform the original method's function and also provide the additional functionality required by the subclass.

Circumstance 2: Modifying the Behavior of the Superclass Method

Another common circumstance is when the inherited method's behavior does not fit the requirements of the subclass. In this case, the subclass needs to override the method and provide its own implementation that better suits its needs. This new implementation might use entirely new logic or might modify parts of the original behavior, depending on what is required.

Circumstance 3: Increasing Performance or Efficiency

In some cases, a subclass might need to override a superclass method to increase the performance or efficiency of a particular operation. This could involve optimizing the code for a specific situation or making better use of resources. By providing a more efficient implementation of the method, the subclass can potentially improve the overall performance of the entire program.

Circumstance 4: Correcting an Error or Bug

If there is an error or bug in the superclass method's implementation, a subclass may need to override the method to provide a correct or more reliable version. This might be necessary if it's not possible to modify the superclass directly or if the bug only affects specific situations or objects within the subclass.

Summary

To summarize, a subclass may need to override a superclass method under various circumstances, such as extending or modifying the superclass method's functionality, improving performance or efficiency, or correcting an error or bug in the superclass method. In all these cases, overriding the method allows the subclass to tailor the inherited behavior to better suit its own specific requirements.

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Under what circumstances would a subclass need to override a superclass method?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to Inheritance and Method Overriding

Circumstance 1: Extending the Functionality of the Superclass Method

Circumstance 2: Modifying the Behavior of the Superclass Method

Circumstance 3: Increasing Performance or Efficiency

Circumstance 4: Correcting an Error or Bug

Summary

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