Overriding

[kumar bangali]

Hi
We know that a static method cannot be overridden to be non-static. I have two other doubts.
a) Can a non-static method be overridden to be static?
b) Can static methods be overridden at all?

[Valentin Crettaz]

a) Can a non-static method be overridden to be static?
Nope. Check this out: http://java.sun.com/docs/books/jls/second_edition/html/classes.doc.html#228745
b) Can static methods be overridden at all?
Static methods are said to be "hidden" by other static methods defined in subclasses but not overridden.
Overriding applies to instance methods
Hiding applies to static methods.
HIH

[Manfred Leonhardt]

Hi Kumar,
1. No. From JLS section 8.4.6.2:

If a class declares a static method, then the declaration of that method is said to hide any and all methods with the same signature in the superclasses and superinterfaces of the class that would otherwise be accessible to code in the class. A compile-time error occurs if a static method hides an instance method.

2. No. From JLS section 8.4.6.1:

A compile-time error occurs if an instance method overrides a static method.

along with the first part from 8.4.6.2 we can safely say NO.
Regards,
Manfred.