Difference between overriding and shadowing ?

Question

Hi all, Can somebody explain me what is the difference between overriding and shadowing with suitable examples. Thanks

Satyapriya Nayak · Answer

Hi Adavesh, Thanks for explaining.

Adavesh Managaon · Answer

In override, you can add extra functionality to method along with base class method's functionality. for example, class A { protected virtual void Foo() { MessageBox.Show("A.Foo"); } } class B : A { protected override void Foo() { base.Foo(); //Calls A's Foo method MessageBox.Show("B"); } } Whereas in Shadowing, you define completely providing new definition for the parent class Method. class A { public void Foo() { MessageBox.Show("A"); } } class B : A { public void Foo() { MessageBox.Show("B"); } } class X { new B().Foo(); } When you compile the above code, the compiler will give a Warning message saying "B.Foo()' hides inherited member 'DbApp.A.Foo()'. Use the new keyword if hiding was intended." If your warnings are not set to be treated as errors, then the above code will still override the base Foo method and shows "B". I think you got the idea.

Difference between overriding and shadowing ?

Answers (2)