Describe the difference between an abstract class and an interface in Java.

The Difference Between Abstract Class and Interface in Java

When it comes to Java programming, it's important to understand the difference between abstract classes and interfaces. The main distinction lies in their purpose and structure.

Abstract Class

An abstract class in Java is a class that cannot be instantiated on its own and is meant to be extended by sub-classes. It can contain both abstract and non-abstract methods. One key aspect is that an abstract class can have method implementations, allowing for code reusability among its subclasses.

Interface

An interface in Java is a blueprint of a class that defines the methods that must be implemented by any class that implements the interface. Interfaces are used to achieve abstraction and multiple inheritance in Java. Unlike abstract classes, interfaces cannot contain method implementations, only method declarations.

Therefore, the main difference between an abstract class and an interface is that an abstract class can have method implementations while an interface cannot. The choice between using an abstract class or an interface depends on the specific requirements of your Java program and design.