Abstract Class vs Interface Java: Understanding Abstraction in Java

What is Abstraction? A Refresher

The IT world generally defines abstraction as the process of hiding internal details of implementation and only showing essential functionality things to the user. To put it in non-technical terms, you don’t need to know how sausages are made before eating one. You just want to know the steps required to cook it properly. How it got to your plate is unimportant.

Put another way, the abstraction process focused on an automobile means you can see and interact with the steering wheel and gas and brake pedals. You don’t need access to the fuel injection system or the serpentine belt.

There are two different methods of achieving abstraction in Java, and that’s where we are going next to better understand abstract class vs interface Java.

What is an Abstract Class in Java?

An abstract class is defined as a class that’s declared with the “abstract” keyword. It is a collection of common subclass characteristics that should include at least one abstract method. An abstract class can have multiple concrete methods. Programmers using Java 8 and later can also incorporate default and static methods.

An abstract class cannot be instantiated, meaning you cannot create an object with it.

Programmers use abstract class vs interface Java when they need:

• Default functionality for subclasses
• Templates for future specific classes
• Defining a common interface for any subclasses
• Code reusability

Before we begin with the abstract class vs interface in java difference, let us understand more about the interface in Java.

What is an Interface in Java?

An interface is a blueprint used to implement a class. It is a collection of abstract methods and contains no concrete methods, unlike abstract class. However, the interface offers full abstraction in Java, something that abstract classes cannot do.

Like a class, an interface can contain methods and variables, though the declared methods default to abstract.

Interfaces cannot be instantiated, though abstract classes that implement interfaces can.

Programmers use interface when they need:

• To achieve abstraction
• To support a dynamic resolution at run time
• Achieving loose coupling
• Separating a method’s definition from the inheritance’s hierarchy

Now let’s explore the primary differences between abstract class and interface.

What is the Difference Between Abstract Class vs Interface Java?

The best way to quickly and easily compare abstract class vs interface Java is to illustrate the information in a table. So here we go:

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