Arrays and Methods →hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

1Z0-811 Arrays and Methods Practice Question

Which THREE statements are true about method overloading in Java?

⚠ Common exam trap

A common mix-up: candidates confuse overloading with overriding, mistakenly thinking that return type or runtime resolution plays a role in overloading, when in fact overloading is purely compile-time and based on parameter lists.

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

The return type can be different, but it is not sufficient to differentiate overloaded methods.

In Java, method overloading requires methods to have different parameter lists. While the return type can be different, it alone is not sufficient to differentiate overloaded methods; the compiler uses the method signature (name + parameter types) to resolve overloads, and return type is not part of the signature.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
Two methods with the same name, same parameter types, but different return types are overloaded.
Why it's wrong here
That would be a duplicate, causing compilation error.
✓
The return type can be different, but it is not sufficient to differentiate overloaded methods.
Why this is correct
Return type alone does not distinguish overloads.
✗
Method overloading is resolved at runtime.
Why it's wrong here
Overloaded methods are resolved at compile time.
✓
Overloaded methods can be defined in the same class.
Why this is correct
Overloading occurs within a class.
✓
Overloaded methods must have different parameter lists.
Why this is correct
Key requirement for overloading.

Visual reference

Go deeper

1Z0-811 Arrays and Methods Practice Question

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

Related to this question