What Is Abstract Class?
An abstract class is a unique sort of class in object-oriented programming (OOP) that cannot be instantiated independently. Instead, it acts as a template from which subclasses might derive their functionality. To put it another way, an abstract class is like a puzzle piece that forms a whole when put together with other pieces. While it does define the shared properties and behavior of related classes, it does not offer a full implementation of those classes on its own. In that case, what characteristics do abstract classes have? Most object-oriented programming languages have an "abstract" keyword that can be used to declare an abstract class. Both abstract and non-abstract methods can exist in a class that is itself abstract. Abstract methods are those that have a signature and return type and not a full implementation. Unlike abstract procedures, non-abstract ones are fully realized. Derivative classes (also known as "subclasses") can take an abstract base class and add their logic to its abstract methods. To do so is to "implement" the abstract class. It is possible to independently instantiate a subclass once it has completed the implementation of all the abstract methods. To what end, then, would one employ an abstract class? An abstract class is a valuable asset when building a structure consisting of multiple related classes. It lets you specify the shared features and behavior of multiple classes while giving the opportunity for individualization. Take the case of developing a virtual zoo simulation software. An abstract class named "Animal" might define the features and behaviors shared by all animals, such as eating and resting. Subclasses may then implement the abstract methods for individual animal types, such as "Lion" and "Giraffe," which would then have their own traits and behaviors. In a nutshell, an OOP abstract class is a helpful tool for building a malleable and reusable framework for a set of linked classes. For this reason, consider using an abstract class as a cornerstone of your next program's design. #AbstractClass #Inheritance #ObjectOrientedProgramming
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