What is the difference between abstract classes and interfaces in Object-Oriented Programming?

1 Answers
Answered by suresh

Abstract Classes vs Interfaces in Object-Oriented Programming

When comparing abstract classes and interfaces in Object-Oriented Programming, there are several key differences to consider:

Abstract Classes:

  • Can have both abstract (non-implemented) methods and concrete (implemented) methods.
  • Can contain member variables.
  • Can provide method implementations that subclasses can override.
  • Can only extend one abstract class.

Interfaces:

  • Can only have abstract methods, which are required to be implemented by classes that implement the interface.
  • Cannot contain member variables.
  • Can be implemented by multiple classes, allowing for more flexibility in class design.
  • Cannot provide method implementations, only method signatures.

In summary, abstract classes are suitable for defining a base class with some common functionality, while interfaces are better suited for defining a contract that multiple classes can implement.

Both abstract classes and interfaces play important roles in object-oriented programming, and understanding the differences between them is crucial for designing effective and maintainable software.

Answer for Question: What is the difference between abstract classes and interfaces in Object-Oriented Programming?