In C, an abstract class is a class that is declared without any member functions. An interface, on the other hand, is a type of class that only contains function prototypes. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between abstract classes and interfaces in C. We will also look at some examples to help you understand these concepts better. So, let’s get started!
What is Abstract Class In C?
Abstract class in C is a class that cannot be instantiated and is Abstract in the sense that it contains at least one pure virtual function. A Abstract Class contains Abstract Data Type(ADT). When a Abstract Class is inherited by a Base Class, all the Abstract Functions of Abstract Class become virtual functions in Base Class. All the Abstract Functions of Abstract Class must be overridden by the derived classes otherwise the program will not compile. The compiler will give an error if any Abstract Function is not overridden by the derived classes. Therefore, All the Abstract Functions of Abstract Class become pure virtual functions in Derived Classes and Derived Classes become Abstract Classes.
What is Interface In C?
Interface In C is a keyword that is used to declare an Interface. Interface In C can contain abstract methods as well as final variables. Interface In C is created for abstraction.
- Interface In C also contains static methods which are inherited by the class implementing it. Interface In C must be implemented by the class or else it will give an error.
- Interface In C variables are by default final and static. Interface In C methods are also by default abstract and public. Interface In C contains only abstract methods, the implementation of those methods is provided by the class which implements it.
- Interface in c are declared using the keyword interface . Creating an interface is similar to creating a class, but there are a few differences in the syntax. Like a class, an interface can have methods and variables, but they are all public and final by default.
- Interfaces specify what a class must do and not how it does it. A class implements an interface by providing code for each method defined by the interface, thereby inheriting its behavior from that interface.
It’s more like an agreement between Interface and Class which states that I(Class) am going to provide functionality for everything that you(Interface) have declared inside your body.(end of paragraph)
Difference between Abstract Class and Interface In C
- Abstract class and Interface In C are two very important concepts in the Object Oriented Programming paradigm. Abstract classes are used to provide a template for other classes to extend, while interfaces are used to prescribe the behavior of a class. Abstract classes can contain both abstract and concrete methods, while interfaces can only contain abstract methods.
- Abstract classes can have fields, while interfaces cannot. Finally, abstract classes can be extended by other classes, while interfaces can be implemented by other classes.
- As a result, Abstract Class and Interface In C are two very important concepts that help programmers to create well-structured and robust programs. Thanks for reading.
Conclusion
Abstract classes and interfaces are two different concepts that you will come across often in your programming career. Understanding the difference between them is important so you can use the right tool for the job. In C, abstract classes are used to create a common interface for a group of related objects. Interfaces, on the other hand, allow unrelated classes to work together. When deciding which one to use, ask yourself whether you need all classes in the inheritance tree to implement the behavior or just a few of them. If all of them need to implement it, then use an abstract class. If only a few do, then use an interface.
