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Concepts of C# - Need of Abstract

Abstract classes are used to define common functionality for derived classes and ensure they implement certain methods, while also allowing subclasses to define their own methods, providing more flexibility than interfaces which cannot contain concrete methods; abstract methods are usually declared in abstract superclasses to provide template implementations for subclasses to specialize in different ways; an abstract class without abstract methods should only be used rarely when partially implementing an interface for subclasses to complete.

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Sachin Preeti
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52 views

Concepts of C# - Need of Abstract

Abstract classes are used to define common functionality for derived classes and ensure they implement certain methods, while also allowing subclasses to define their own methods, providing more flexibility than interfaces which cannot contain concrete methods; abstract methods are usually declared in abstract superclasses to provide template implementations for subclasses to specialize in different ways; an abstract class without abstract methods should only be used rarely when partially implementing an interface for subclasses to complete.

Uploaded by

Sachin Preeti
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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C# Concepts:

1. What is the need of abstract Classes. ?

We use Abstract class and interface to enforce some rules to the classes
which extends/implements. For example we can define a class say "Bird" and
we can declare methods say "Fly()", "Walk()". This means whatever the class
that is derived from Bird has to override or give definition for Fly() and Walk()
and therefore we are making sure that all the derived classes follows or has
the common functionalities. In other way the classes derived from superclass
should have common properties. In addition to this the derive class can have
its own methods like "Swim()"...

In case of Abstract class we can define COMMON functionalities in super


class and those can be used in the derived class where as in Interface we
cant do that. ( this i would say as advantage of abstract class)

In case of Interface the derived class can implement any number of interface
but

Q: When should I use abstract methods?

A: Abstract methods are usually declared where two or more subclasses are
expected to fulfil a similar role in different ways. Often the subclasses are
required to the fulfil an interface, so the abstract superclass might provide
several of the interface methods, but leave the subclasses to implement
their own variations of the abstract methods. Abstract classes can be
thought of as part-complete templates that make it easier to write a series of
subclasses.

Q: Why use an abstract class instead of an interface?

A: The main reason to use an abstract class rather than an interface is


because abstract classes can carry a functional “payload” that numerous
subclasses can inherit and use directly. Interfaces can define the same
abstract methods as an abstract class but cannot include any concrete
methods.

In a real program it is not a question of whether abstract classes or


interfaces are better, because both have features that are useful. It is
common to use a mixture of interface and abstract classes to create a
flexible and efficient class hierarchy that introduces concrete methods in
layers. In practical terms it is more a question of the appropriate point in the
hierarchy to define “empty” abstract methods, concrete methods and
combine them through the extends and implements keywords.

Q: Why do we need abstract classes with no abstract methods?

A: An abstract class without any abstract methods should be a rare thing and
you should always question your application design if this case arises.
Normally you should refactor to use a concrete superclass in this scenario.

One specific case where abstract class may justifiably have no abstract
methods is where it partially implements an interface, with the intention that
its subclasses must complete the interface. To take a slightly contrived
motoring analogy, a Chassis class may partially implement a Vehicle interface
and provide a set of core methods from which a range of concrete Vehicle
types are extended. Chassis is not a viable implementation of a Vehicle in its
own right, so a concrete Car subclass would have to implement interface
methods for functional wheels, engine and bodywork.

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