What is the difference between abstract classes and interfaces in OOPs?

Understanding the Difference Between Abstract Classes and Interfaces in Object-Oriented Programming (OOPs)

When it comes to OOPs, the difference between abstract classes and interfaces lies in their implementation and usage. Let's delve into the key distinctions:

Abstract Classes:

An abstract class in OOPs serves as a blueprint for other classes. It contains abstract methods (methods without a body) that must be implemented by the subclasses. Abstract classes can have both abstract and concrete methods. Subclasses extend abstract classes using inheritance.

Interfaces:

Interfaces in OOPs define a set of methods that a class must implement. An interface only contains method signatures and constants. A class that implements an interface must provide definitions for all methods declared in the interface. A class can implement multiple interfaces, but not inherit multiple classes.

Overall, the main difference is that abstract classes can have method implementations, while interfaces only have method signatures. Abstract classes support code reusability through inheritance, while interfaces enable multiple inheritance-like behavior.

By understanding these distinctions, developers can effectively leverage abstract classes and interfaces in OOPs to create well-structured and extensible code.