In Java, the resolved method call by dynamic method dispatch isn't determined at compile time because Java uses an object-oriented approach where the actual type of an object can only be determined at runtime. This implies that Java supports late binding, which is a key characteristic of object-oriented languages, providing flexibility to select the appropriate method version for an object type at runtime based on its class hierarchy .

If the 'display' method in Class C is omitted, the call to 'display' on an object of Class C (when 'obj1.display()' is invoked) would resolve to the 'display' method in Class B. The runtime output would be 'Class B Display Method' for both B and C class objects, because at runtime, due to the absence of 'display' in C, Java would look up the method hierarchy chain and find the 'display' in the parent class B .

Dynamic method dispatch is integral to runtime polymorphism in Java because it allows method calls to be resolved at runtime rather than compile time. This enables objects of different classes to be treated as objects of a common superclass, enabling the same method call to be dynamically resolved to different method implementations. The superclass reference plays a crucial role by acting as a placeholder that can refer to any subclass type at runtime, thus allowing the specific subclass method to be invoked without the need to know the exact class type at compile time .

Dynamic method dispatch enhances a codebase's maintenance and extensibility by allowing new subclasses to be added with minimal changes to existing code. As the method to invoke is determined at runtime, existing code that references superclass types can seamlessly interact with new subclass implementations, promoting a more modular and scalable design. This reduces the likelihood of errors as the core logic remains unchanged when extending functionality with new subclass methods .

Dynamic method dispatch impacts performance in Java because it introduces a level of indirection where the method to be invoked is resolved at runtime, which can be slower compared to compile-time resolution. In applications with deep class hierarchies, this can exacerbate performance issues as each method call could require traversing a longer class hierarchy to resolve the correct method. This runtime cost is balanced against the increased flexibility and maintainability brought by polymorphism .

Dynamic method dispatch facilitates object-oriented design principles such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. By allowing method calls to be determined at runtime, it supports polymorphism by enabling objects to exhibit different behaviors depending on their actual types. This promotes encapsulation by allowing implementation details to be hidden behind method interfaces and supports inheritance by allowing subclasses to redefine superclass methods. As such, dynamic method dispatch is a cornerstone technique that underpins robust, adaptable object-oriented software development .

Java's dynamic method dispatch offers greater functionality and flexibility compared to traditional procedural programming languages by supporting polymorphism, allowing objects to be accessed through superclass references with runtime method resolution. This contrasts with procedural languages, where functions are typically determined statically at compile time, limiting the ability to easily extend functionalities. Java's approach supports greater code reusability and adaptability, fostering complex system designs that can evolve over time with minimal disruption .

In a multilevel class hierarchy, such as A -> B -> C, Java allows each subclass to override the methods defined in its superclass. When the 'display' method is overridden in both classes B and C, Java ensures that the most specific subclass's method is executed at runtime. This enhances method inheritance by providing flexibility to refine or completely alter behaviors defined up in the hierarchy, allowing subclasses to define their own method implementations while maintaining type compatibility with their superclass .

The output of the Java code will sequentially display 'Class C Display Method', 'Class B Display Method', 'Class A Display Method', and 'Class C Display Method'. This behavior occurs because each object reference assignment dictates the actual method to be executed. Despite using superclass references, the actual object's class (C, B, A, C) instantiated at runtime determines which version of the "display" method is invoked .

Dynamic method dispatch in Java enables polymorphism by allowing the program to determine at runtime which method to execute. This means that though the method call is defined in a superclass reference, the actual method execution is based on the object's type that is referenced. This offers significant flexibility by allowing new classes to be added with minimal changes to existing code, fostering code reusability and scalability .