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Private methods in super class

 
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Hello Ranchers!

Pls look into the below code:-

class Base {
private void method(int iBase) {
System.out.println("Base.method");
}
}

class Over extends Base {
public static void main(String args[]) {
Over o = new Over();
int iBase = 0;
o.method(iBase);
}
public void method(int iOver) {
System.out.println("Over.method");
}
}

Ans : Over.method is printed as ouput.

Per my understanding method(int iBase) is declared private in Base class, hence, it cannot be overridden. We can still overload the method. But in class Over(child of Base), Base class' private method is being overridden as it has the same return type and signature. So the compiler should complain. But actually it does not complain.

Pls clarify.

Thanks!

Neha Monga
 
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Hey

Neha

The Over class does not know,that a method called method(int) defined in Base class.Because the method is private.
In the Over class you defined a new method which has same signature,in the Base class.

The method which are declared as private cannot be accessed from out side of the class
if you have doubt in that try with this

Base b=new Over();
b.method(10);

You will get compile time error


Thanks
Anil Kumar
 
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Neha,

the method(ibase) being private is not visible to the sub-class, so for it the method does not exist.

Private methods are visible only within the same class.

Gitesh
 
Neha Monga
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Hey Anil!

I tried using reference of Base class and Over class for Over type object. It gives compiler error when Base class reference is used to invoke amethod(int i) and gives output when Over class reference is used.

Thanks a bunch for explaining.
 
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Hi Neha,
try to understand the concept that the method(int i)(thats declared private in the base class) doesnt exist for the derived class.
i think this should clear your doubt.
in any case if you are not clear with this,i would love you to explain.
[ May 23, 2007: Message edited by: debasmita pattnayak ]
 
Greenhorn
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I would like to add one thing. in method overriding you can increase the visibility. as you have done in your example. you made your method public in child class which was private in base class.
 
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Private methods are visible only within the same class.
 
Greenhorn
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He neha,


listen carefully this thig,



tha thing is U can give access modifier to overriden method in child clas as exceedind accessability................


I thik U got the point...
 
Don't get me started about those stupid light bulbs.
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