Override

You see this keyword when you implement an interface or extend an abstract class. In both cases, you have to implement the parent class’s methods.

Eclipse: override

package com.apress.java7forabsolutebeginners.examples.animalKingdom;

class Cat extends Mammal implements Predator, Carnivore {

  private static int numberOfCats;

  Cat() {
    numberOfCats++;
  }

  public static final int getNumberOfCats() {
    return numberOfCats;
  }

  @Override
  protected void sayWhatIAm() {
    System.out.println("I am a cat");
    super.sayWhatIAm();
  }

  // implement the super class's abstract methods
  @Override
  void speak() {
    System.out.println("The cat says, \"meow.\"");
  }

  // here's our example of overloading
  void chase(Mouse mouse) {
    // chase a mouse
  }
  public void chase (Object tail) {
    // chase one's tail
  }

  // methods for the Predator interface
  @Override
  public void hunt() {
    // go hunting
  }

  // methods for the Carnivore interface
  @Override
  public void eat (Object freshMeat) {
    // eat fresh meat
  }
}
Java 7 for Absolute Beginners

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