Abstract Class

Term added on Tuesday 11th June, 2024 by Team

An abstract class in programming is a special kind of class that cannot be instantiated on its own. Instead, it serves as a blueprint for other classes. It allows you to define methods and properties that must be implemented by any subclass that inherits from it. Here’s a simple explanation:

Key Points of an Abstract Class

1. Cannot Create Instances: You can’t create an object directly from an abstract class.
2. Contains Abstract Methods: These are methods that are declared but contain no implementation (they are just a signature).
3. Can Have Concrete Methods: These are regular methods with a body that can be used by subclasses.
4. Subclass Responsibility: Any subclass that inherits from an abstract class must implement all its abstract methods.

Why Use Abstract Classes?

• Enforce Consistency: Ensure that all subclasses follow a certain structure.
• Reuse Code: Provide common functionality that can be used by multiple subclasses.
• Encapsulation: Hide the complexity and only expose what is necessary for the subclasses.

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