static method

[Ankur kothari]

Why does the compiler complain when we try to override the static method with method that is not static?

[Nitish Bangera]

Its better if you give the example that you tried or you are referring to... And one more thing, static methods can never be overridden.

[Ankur kothari]

 class Static 
{
static void m()
{
}
}
class Polo extends Static
{
void m()
{
}
}
   

this gives a compile error that static m() cannot be overridden. why?

[Nitish Bangera]

hmmm.....sorry for the re question but what do you think are static methods inherited?

[Ankur kothari]

   # class Static   
# {  
# static void m()  
# {  
# }  
# }  
# class Polo extends Static  
# {  
# static void m()  
# {  
# }  
# }   

then why does this work?

[Nitish Bangera]

Well this is what is called as "redefinition" means defining a different static method for that class. But then you did not answer my question....

[Ankur kothari]

ok so what I have understood so far is that if I extend a superclass, the subclass inherits the static method which if i want can redefine it. which is the same as overridding. so overiding and redefining are the same

so confusing

[Nitish Bangera]

First of all, static methods cannot be overridden.

[Ankur kothari]

 class Static
{
static void m()
{

System.out.println("in static ");
}
}
class Polo extends Static
{

 public static void main(String args[])
	{
	Polo.m();
	}
}   

the output is "in static"

ofcourse i am inheriting the static method

[Nitish Bangera]

Sorry for that... it can be inherited but cannot be overridden.

[Ankur kothari]

The only thing that has gone into my mind is that when i inherit a static method i cant call this static method of mine using a reference variable of the superclass.

[S Ali]

Or think of it like instance methods cannot hide a static method . Because it can be hidden with another static method.

[Ankur kothari]

thanks guys for putting that thing in my mind

[Atwal Usha]

Perfect explanation given by S.Ali. Short and simple.