Abstract Class in Java
Abstract Class in Java
A class which is declared with the abstract keyword is known as an abstract class in Java. It can have
abstract and non-abstract methods (method with the body).
Before learning the Java abstract class, let's understand the abstraction in Java first.
Abstraction in Java
Abstraction is a process of hiding the implementation details and showing only functionality to the user.
Another way, it shows only essential things to the user and hides the internal details, for example,
sending SMS where you type the text and send the message. You don't know the internal processing
about the message delivery.
Abstraction lets you focus on what the object does instead of how it does it.
Points to Remember
o An abstract class must be declared with an abstract keyword.
o It can have abstract and non-abstract methods.
o It cannot be instantiated.
o It can have constructors and static methods also.
o It can have final methods which will force the subclass not to change the body of the method.
running safely
Mostly, we don't know about the implementation class (which is hidden to the end user), and an object of
the implementation class is provided by the factory method.
A factory method is a method that returns the instance of the class. We will learn about the factory
method later.
In this example, if you create the instance of Rectangle class, draw() method of Rectangle class will be
invoked.
File: TestAbstraction1.java
15. s.draw();
16. }
17. }
Test it Now
drawing circle
File: TestAbstraction2.java
bike is created
running safely..
gear changed
1. class Bike12{
2. abstract void run();
3. }
Test it Now
Rule: If you are extending an abstract class that has an abstract method, you must either provide the
implementation of the method or make this class abstract.
Another real scenario of abstract class
The abstract class can also be used to provide some implementation of the interface. In such case, the
end user may not be forced to override all the methods of the interface.
Note: If you are beginner to java, learn interface first and skip this example.
1. interface A{
2. void a();
3. void b();
4. void c();
5. void d();
6. }
7.
8. abstract class B implements A{
9. public void c(){System.out.println("I am c");}
10. }
11.
12. class M extends B{
13. public void a(){System.out.println("I am a");}
14. public void b(){System.out.println("I am b");}
15. public void d(){System.out.println("I am d");}
16. }
17.
18. class Test5{
19. public static void main(String args[]){
20. A a=new M();
21. a.a();
22. a.b();
23. a.c();
24. a.d();
25. }}
Test it Now
Output:I am a
I am b
I am c
I am d