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Technically, a {{private}} method cannot be hidden or overridden. There is no requirement that {{private}} methods with the same signature in the subclass and the superclass bear any relationship in terms of having the same return type or {{throws}} clause, the necessary conditions for _hiding_. \[[JLS 05|AA. Java References#JLS 05]\]. Consequently, there may be no _hiding_ when the methods have different return types or {{throws}} clauses. |
It is recommended that the @Override annotation be used to clearly specify that a method is the overridden version and not the hidden one.
Risk Assessment
Confusing overriding and hiding can produce unexpected results.
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