Dynamic Binding in Java

Binding is concerned with the code execution in java. Binding becomes essential when the same name is assigned to two variables of the same class or more than one method of the same name. Thus, to prioritize their use during run time, binding is essential. Dynamic binding in java occurs during run time. It uses the object to resolve to bind. At run time, overridden methods are bonded during dynamic binding. It is also called late binding.

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How Dynamic Binding In Java Works?

Binding in any program executes polymorphism. Dynamic binding works using virtual functions. Thus, in dynamic binding, the compiler has no role in deciding the method to be called. Overriding is the best example of dynamic binding in java as both parent and child classes have the same manner. 

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Advantages of Dynamic Binding in Java:

A single function can handle different types of an object during run time in dynamic binding. Dynamic binding can be achieved using virtual functions. Also, there is no requirement to recompile all of the source code that relies on the dynamically bonded code.

Program flexibility is enhanced with the dynamic binding of variables to types. For example, a generic program can be written to process numeric data in a language that uses dynamic binding. Thus, it is capable of dealing with numeric data. The variables that are used to store data can be bound to the correct type after input. Thus, irrespective of the type of data, the input is acceptable in dynamic binding in java.

Thus, dynamic binding allows subtype polymorphism and class-specific methods. If there is a need for the addition of new subclasses, it can be achieved without modifying the clients.

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Examples of Dynamic Binding in Java: 

Example 1:

Image Source: Geekforgeeks

Output:

Image Source: Geekforgeeks

Explanation: 

Firstly, the methods are not static in this code. The compiler goes on by referencing variables only and hence has no idea print is to be called. Accordingly, the binding is delayed to run time. Thus, based on the type of object, the corresponding version of the print is called.

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Example 2:

Image Source: Javarevisited

Output:

Image Source: Javarevisited

Explanation:

Here, the concept of method overriding is used. “Car” extends “Vehicle” and overrides its “Start()” method. Then, the “Start()” method is called from a reference variable of type “Vehicle.” Here, instead of the “Start()” method from the “Vehicle” class, the “Start()” method from the “Car” subclass is called. This is because the object referenced by the “Vehicle” type is a “Car” object. This happens only at run time as objects are created during the same time only.

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Example 3:

Image Source: Beginnersbook

Output:

Image Source: Beginnersbook

Explanation:

In this case, overriding is happening since these methods are not static, final, or private methods. Here, the overridden method’s call is determined at run time by the type of object only. The object is defined as a “boy” type, and hence, the method of “boy” class is called. Thus, there is a delay in binding.

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Dynamic Binding in Java- Points to Remember:

• It occurs during the run time only, not at compile time.
• The binding of overridden methods is always dynamic.
• In Objective-C, all forms are resolved dynamically at run time.

Conclusion:

Dynamic binding in java is one of the types of connecting a method call to the method body. It enjoys multiple advantages over static binding. In modern java development, dynamic binding uses objects, is resolved at run time, and can be overridden. Thus, it is one of the essential concepts of object-oriented programming for code execution. 

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