Explain the difference between abstract classes and interfaces in C#.

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Answered by suresh

Explaining the Difference Between Abstract Classes and Interfaces in C#

Abstract classes and interfaces are two key concepts in C# programming, often used to define contracts and provide structure to classes. While both share similarities, they have distinct differences that set them apart.

Abstract Classes:

An abstract class is a class that cannot be instantiated and may contain one or more abstract methods. These methods are declared but not implemented, serving as placeholders for derived classes to provide concrete implementations. Abstract classes can also have regular methods with defined behavior.

Interfaces:

An interface is a contract that defines a set of members that a class must implement. Unlike abstract classes, interfaces cannot contain any implementation details - only method signatures, properties, events, and indexers. A class can implement multiple interfaces but can inherit from only one abstract class.

Differences:

  • An abstract class can have abstract and non-abstract methods, while interfaces can only have method signatures.
  • A class can inherit from only one abstract class but can implement multiple interfaces.
  • Abstract classes may have some defined behavior, while interfaces have no implementation details.

When deciding between using an abstract class or an interface, consider the specific requirements of your design. Use abstract classes when you want to provide a base implementation with common behavior across derived classes. Interfaces are more suitable for defining contracts and enforcing multiple inheritances in C#.

Answer for Question: Explain the difference between abstract classes and interfaces in C#.