Can you explain the difference between abstract classes and interfaces in C#?

The Difference Between Abstract Classes and Interfaces in C#

When discussing object-oriented programming in C#, it's important to understand the key distinctions between abstract classes and interfaces.

Abstract Classes

An abstract class in C# is a class that cannot be instantiated on its own and is meant to be used as a base for other classes. Abstract classes can contain both abstract and non-abstract members. Abstract methods within an abstract class must be implemented by derived classes.

Interfaces

Interfaces in C# are similar to abstract classes in that they specify a contract for derived classes to follow. However, interfaces cannot contain implementation details, only method signatures, properties, events, and indexers. Classes can implement multiple interfaces but can inherit only one class.

Focus Keyword: Abstract Classes and Interfaces in C#

In summary, the main difference between abstract classes and interfaces in C# lies in their purpose and implementation details. Abstract classes provide a way to define a base class with common functionality, while interfaces define a contract that classes must adhere to. Understanding when to use each depends on the specific design requirements of your C# application.