What are the key differences between abstract classes and interfaces in Java, and when would you choose to use one over the other in your code implementation?

Key Differences Between Abstract Classes and Interfaces in Java

In Java, abstract classes and interfaces are important concepts in object-oriented programming. The key differences between them are:

• Inheritance: Abstract classes can have both abstract and non-abstract methods, while interfaces can only have abstract methods.
• Multiple Inheritance: In Java, a class can extend only one abstract class, but it can implement multiple interfaces.
• Implementation: Abstract classes provide partial implementation of methods, while interfaces provide a contract for classes to implement their own functionality.

Choosing Between Abstract Classes and Interfaces

When deciding whether to use an abstract class or an interface in your code implementation, consider the following:

• Use Abstract Classes When: You want to provide a common implementation for related classes, or when you need to define non-static or non-abstract methods.
• Use Interfaces When: You want to define a contract for classes to implement without providing any implementation details, or when a class needs to implement multiple behaviors from different sources.

By understanding the differences between abstract classes and interfaces, you can choose the appropriate one based on your specific programming needs.

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