What is Signature in Java?

In Java, a signature is a unique identification for a method or a constructor that defines its name, parameters, and return type. It is fundamental to method overloading as it allows the Java compiler to differentiate between methods that might have the same name but different parameter lists. A method or constructor signature includes the method name and its parameter list (number, type, order). The return type of the method is not part of the method signature.

Understanding Method Signatures

The following are key points about method signatures:

  • The signature does not include access modifiers or return types.
  • Method overloading is possible by changing the method signature.
  • Method signatures are crucial for polymorphism in Java.

Example of Method Signature

// Here are two methods with the same name but different signatures public void display(int a) { System.out.println("Display integer: " + a); } public void display(String b) { System.out.println("Display string: " + b); }

Java Method Signature Method Overloading Java Polymorphism