Can you explain the difference between abstract classes and interfaces in Java? Give an example of when you would use each one.

Explaining the Difference Between Abstract Classes and Interfaces in Java

Abstract classes and interfaces are key components of Java programming that serve different purposes.

Abstract Classes:

An abstract class in Java is a class that cannot be instantiated on its own and can contain a mix of abstract and non-abstract methods. It provides a way to define a common functionality that can be shared among multiple classes. Developers can use abstract classes to create a blueprint for other classes to inherit common methods and fields.

Example: An example scenario where you would use an abstract class is in creating a shape hierarchy. You can have an abstract class Shape with abstract methods like calculateArea() and calculatePerimeter() that can be implemented by specific shapes like Circle and Square.

Interfaces:

An interface in Java defines a contract for classes to implement, but it cannot contain any method implementations itself. Interfaces provide a way to achieve multiple inheritances and enable classes to adhere to a specific behavior. By implementing an interface, a class promises to provide concrete implementations for all the methods defined in the interface.

Example: A scenario where you would use an interface is in creating a sorting functionality. You can define an interface Sortable with methods like sortAscending() and sortDescending() that can be implemented by classes like BubbleSort and QuickSort.

Understanding the distinction between abstract classes and interfaces is crucial in Java programming to effectively design and implement robust object-oriented solutions.