What is an <init> method in Java? Can it be overridden?
initialization, java
Solution
Have a look at the Java Virtual Machine Specification, chapter 2.9. It say on the `<init>` name:
At the level of the Java Virtual Machine, every constructor written in the Java programming language (JLS §8.8) appears as an instance initialization method that has the special name `<init>`. This name is supplied by a compiler. Because the name is not a valid identifier, it cannot be used directly in a program written in the Java programming language.
That's why `<init>` can be found on the stack trace, but is not accessible with code.
Problem
`<init>` method can be found in stacktrace, for example. As I understood it represents initialization done in constructor. If you try to execute ``` Object.class.getDeclaredMethod("<init>"); ``` You'll get `java.lang.NoSuchMethodException`. What is this method? When was it added to class? (in compilation - execution terms) Is it virtual, can one anyhow override it?