Abstract Class vs Interface in C#: Difference and Comparison

In C#, an abstract class can provide a partial implementation of methods, fields, and properties, while an interface defines a contract of methods and properties that implementing classes must provide without any implementation details.

Key Takeaways

  1. Abstract class is a class that cannot be instantiated and can have both abstract and non-abstract methods.
  2. Interface is a blueprint for a class and can have only abstract methods.
  3. A class can inherit only one abstract class but can implement multiple interfaces.

Abstract Class vs Interface in C#

In speed, Abstract class is quicker compared to Interface in C#. in the former, you can define fields, whereas in Interface you can’t. A single abstract class can extend only one interface, while one Interface can extend multiple interfaces. The former contains Data Members, while the latter doesn’t.

Abstract Class vs Interface in C

Multiple inheritances are not possible in an abstract class, whereas an interface can make multiple inheritances as possible.

Comparison Table

FeatureAbstract ClassInterface
DefinitionA class with abstract methods that provide partial implementation and force subclasses to implement the remaining methodsA contract with only method and property declarations but no implementation
PurposeUsed to define a common base for subclasses and enforce specific functionalityUsed to define a contract that different classes can implement, promoting code reuse and flexibility
ImplementationCan have fields, properties, constructors, abstract methods, and concrete methodsCan only have properties, methods, and events
InheritanceA class can only inherit from one abstract classA class can implement multiple interfaces
Access ModifiersAbstract methods can have any access modifier (public, protected, private)Methods and properties in interfaces are implicitly public
InstantiabilityAbstract classes cannot be directly instantiatedInterfaces cannot be directly instantiated
Abstraction LevelCan provide a more complete implementation than an interfaceProvides a less specific contract than an abstract class
ExampleAnimal (abstract class) with abstract methods Move() and Eat()IShape (interface) with methods CalculateArea() and CalculatePerimeter()

What is Abstract Class in C#?

An abstract class in C# is a partially implemented class that serves as a blueprint for subclasses to inherit from. It defines a common base for related classes and enforces specific functionality through abstract methods, while allowing subclasses to provide their own implementations for other functionalities.

Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics:

Definition:

  • A class designed to be inherited from by other classes.
  • Contains at least one abstract method with no implementation.
  • Provides a common base and partially implemented functionality for subclasses.

Purpose:

  • Enforce specific functionalities and behaviors in subclasses.
  • Promote code reuse by providing a common base for related classes.
  • Encourage code organization and structure.
  • Improve code readability and maintainability.

Key Features:

  • Can have fields, properties, constructors, concrete methods (with implementation), and abstract methods (without implementation).
  • Abstract methods define the functionality that subclasses must implement.
  • Subclasses can inherit from only one abstract class.
  • Abstract classes cannot be directly instantiated.

Benefits:

  • Promotes code reuse and reduces code duplication.
  • Enforces consistent behavior and functionality across related classes.
  • Improves code organization and maintainability.
  • Provides a clear separation between abstract and concrete functionality.

Examples:

  • Animal (abstract class) with abstract methods Move() and Eat().
  • Shape (abstract class) with abstract methods CalculateArea() and CalculatePerimeter().

When to use an abstract class:

  • When you must define a common base for a group of related classes.
  • When you want to enforce specific functionality in subclasses.
  • When you want to encourage code reuse and reduce code duplication.
  • When you want to separate the abstract concept from its concrete implementations.
abstract class

What is Interface in C#?

In C#, an interface is a powerful tool for promoting code reuse and abstraction. It defines a contract that specifies the expected behavior and functionalities of a class, but does not provide any implementation details.

Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

Definition:

  • A blueprint that defines a set of methods, properties, and events without providing their implementation.
  • Acts as a contract that classes can implement to guarantee specific functionalities.
  • Promotes loose coupling between classes, enabling them to collaborate without relying on their internal implementations.

Purpose:

  • Promote code reuse and improve maintainability by defining a common set of functionalities that different classes can implement.
  • Decouple the implementation details of different classes, making them more independent and flexible.
  • Provide a clear and concise specification of the expected behavior of a class.
  • Enable different classes to implement the same functionality in different ways.

Key Features:

  • Can only have methods, properties, and events.
  • Methods and properties have no implementation details, forcing classes that implement the interface to provide their own implementations.
  • Events allow classes to communicate with each other.
  • Interfaces are implicitly public, meaning their members are accessible to other classes.
  • A class can implement multiple interfaces.
  • Interfaces cannot be directly instantiated.

Benefits:

  • Promotes code reuse and reduces code duplication.
  • Improves code flexibility and maintainability.
  • Encourages loose coupling and better separation of concerns.
  • Makes code more readable and understandable.

Examples:

  • IShape (interface) with methods CalculateArea() and CalculatePerimeter().
  • IComparable (interface) with method CompareTo().
  • ICloneable (interface) with method Clone().

When to use an interface:

  • When you want to define a set of functionalities that different classes can implement in different ways.
  • When you want to promote loose coupling and flexibility between classes.
  • When you want to encourage code reuse and reduce code duplication.
  • When you want to create a public contract that specifies the expected behavior of a class.
interface

Main Differences Between Abstract Class and Interface in C#

  1. Implementation:
    • Abstract Class: An abstract class can partially or completely implement methods, fields, and properties.
    • Interface: An interface defines a contract of methods and properties that implementing classes must provide but does not contain any implementation details.
  2. Inheritance:
    • Abstract Class: A class can inherit from only one abstract class using single inheritance in C#.
    • Interface: A class can implement multiple interfaces, allowing for multiple interface inheritance.
  3. Constructors:
    • Abstract Class: An abstract class can have constructors, which can be used to initialize the state of the class.
    • Interface: Interfaces cannot have constructors because they do not define state or instance-specific behavior.
  4. Access Modifiers:
    • Abstract Class: Abstract classes can have access modifiers for methods, fields, and properties, allowing for more control over visibility and accessibility.
    • Interface: All members of an interface are implicitly public and cannot have access modifiers.
  5. Fields:
    • Abstract Class: Abstract classes can have fields, which can store and manage data within the class.
    • Interface: Interfaces cannot have fields; they only define method and property signatures.
  6. Multiple Inheritance:
    • Abstract Class: While a class can inherit from a single abstract class, it can also implement multiple interfaces, allowing for a limited form of multiple inheritance.
    • Interface: Interfaces are used to achieve multiple inheritance by enabling a class to implement multiple interfaces.
  7. Use Cases:
    • Abstract Class: Abstract classes are suitable when you want to provide a common base with shared implementation for related classes, and when you expect classes to have some common behavior.
    • Interface: Interfaces define a contract for classes that may not have a common base but need to adhere to a specific set of behaviors or functionality.
References
  1. https://csharp.net-tutorials.com/classes/abstract-classes/
  2. https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/512035.512041

Last Updated : 11 December, 2023

dot 1
One request?

I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️

20 thoughts on “Abstract Class vs Interface in C#: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The breakdown of when to use an abstract class or an interface provides valuable insights for developers. It’s crucial to understand the practical scenarios in which each one is most beneficial.

    Reply
  2. I find this explanation of abstract classes and interfaces in C# to be very informative and comprehensive. It’s a great resource for anyone learning about object-oriented programming in C#.

    Reply
    • Absolutely! I appreciate how the article contrasts the features and usage of abstract classes and interfaces. It’s a valuable guide for developers.

      Reply
    • The detailed comparison table makes it easy to understand the distinctions between abstract classes and interfaces. Well-structured explanation.

      Reply
  3. I’m not convinced that abstract classes are always better than interfaces. The explanation should have considered real-world examples and practical use cases to illustrate their differences.

    Reply
    • I understand your point, but the article’s focus is mainly on theoretical distinctions. Real-world examples could indeed enhance the understanding of these concepts.

      Reply
  4. While the article is informative, I think it could benefit from a more concise breakdown of the key features and use cases of abstract classes and interfaces in C#.

    Reply
    • I respectfully disagree. The in-depth breakdown is necessary to fully grasp the concepts. It’s better to have more information than less when it comes to programming.

      Reply
  5. The clear distinction between abstract classes and interfaces in C# is well-articulated in this article. It’s a fundamental resource for anyone diving into OOP in C#.

    Reply
    • Absolutely! The examples provided for abstract classes and interfaces offer excellent clarity. A great foundation for understanding these concepts.

      Reply
    • The article’s depth on abstraction and inheritance in C# sets the stage for a thorough comprehension of abstract classes and interfaces. A valuable read.

      Reply
  6. The article provides a comprehensive account of abstract classes and interfaces, making it an indispensable guide for C# developers.

    Reply
    • The practical applications of abstract classes and interfaces are thoroughly explored in this article. An enriching read indeed.

      Reply
    • Indeed! It’s refreshing to come across such an insightful explanation of abstract classes and interfaces. This is a valuable resource for programmers.

      Reply
  7. The breakdown of the differences between abstract classes and interfaces is thorough and should eliminate any confusion for developers.

    Reply
    • Absolutely. I appreciate the depth of the comparison table, as it clearly outlines the distinctions between abstract classes and interfaces.

      Reply
  8. The article elucidates the intricate details of abstract classes and interfaces in a way that’s both enlightening and engaging. A must-read for C# developers.

    Reply
  9. I didn’t expect such an extensive and high-caliber explanation of abstract classes and interfaces. It’s evident that the author is knowledgeable and deeply familiar with these concepts.

    Reply
  10. This article provides a clear and detailed explanation of abstract classes and interfaces in C#. It’s a great refresher for seasoned developers and an excellent learning resource for beginners.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!