How Can You Override Static Class Variables in Java?

How can you override static class variables in Java?

class Dad {
    protected static String me = "dad";

    public void printMe() {
        System.out.println(me);
    }
}

class Son extends Dad {
    protected static String me = "son";
}

public void doIt() {
    new Son().printMe();
}

In Java, static variables belong to the class rather than instances of the class. They cannot be overridden in the same way that instance variables can be. This means that in the provided example, when you call `printMe()` from a `Son` object, it references the static variable `me` from the `Dad` class, leading to the output 'dad'.

class Dad {
    protected String me = "dad";

    public void printMe() {
        System.out.println(me);
    }
}

class Son extends Dad {
    protected String me = "son";
}

public void doIt() {
    Son son = new Son();
    son.printMe(); // This will now print 'son'.
}

Causes

• Static variables are resolved at compile time rather than run time.
• Java does not support overriding static variables in child classes; it only allows for hiding.

Solutions

• Use instance variables instead of static variables to allow overriding functionality.
• Access the desired class variable directly using the class name, e.g., `Son.me`.

Mistake: Confusing static variables with instance variables.

Solution: Remember that static variables belong to the class, while instance variables belong to the object.

Mistake: Assuming static variables can be overridden like instance variables.

Solution: Static variables can only hide the variables of the parent class, but do not have the same overriding behavior.