Well, a C++ abstract class comes with at least one pure virtual function. This means that neither these classes nor a function without a definition can be instantiated. To prevent the child class from becoming an abstract class in and of itself, the abstract class’s child classes must give the body to the pure virtual function.
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Broad notions are expressed using an abstract class in C++, from which more specific classes can be descended. It is not possible to create an abstract class-type object. However, you can utilize pointers and references to abstract class types.
Create an abstract class with a minimum of one pure virtual member feature. Enforcing polymorphism is another objective of abstract classes. The capacity to treat objects of various types similarly is known as polymorphism.
A base class that incorporates abstract classes and specifies a common interface for a set of derived classes can be created. After that, you can refer to any objects of derived classes using pointers or references to the base class.
Learn More: Hierarchical Inheritance In Java
Below is the quick comparison of Abstract class in C++ Vs concrete classes:
Basis | Abstract Class | Concrete Class |
---|---|---|
Supported Methods | Both abstract and concrete methods can be found in abstract classes. | There are only permitted types of methods for a concrete class. The class becomes abstract even with just one abstract method. |
Abstract Method | Abstract methods can or cannot be present in abstract classes. | An abstract method cannot be part of a concrete class. |
Inheritance | The extend keyword allows abstract classes to inherit from other classes and implement interfaces. | There is only one interface that an interface can inherit. |
Instantiation | A new keyword cannot be used to instantiate an abstract class. | The new keyword can be used to Instantiate a concrete class. |
Final | You cannot declare/specify an abstract class as a final class. | You can declare a concrete class as a final class. |
Interface | An abstract class cannot implement an interface by itself. To utilize the interface for instantiation, a child class must be present. | Implementing an interface is simple. |
Here’s how to create an abstract class in C++:
Concrete class implementation in C++ is a rather simple procedure. Firstly, define the class. The class definition should outline the class’s data members and member functions. Implementing the class’s member functions is the next step.
Finally, you may use a concrete class object to engage with the outside world. Concrete class implementation in C++ is a potent technique for producing reusable and maintainable code.
The idea of polymorphism is especially useful when dealing with a single abstract term implemented in various forms. You can design a single abstract class using polymorphism and modify it to fit your techniques and ideas.
For instance, describe the common methods and properties shared by all shapes in Shape’s abstract class. Subclasses of Shape might then be created for other shapes, like a Circle, a Rectangle, and a Triangle. Since it cannot be instantiated, the Shape class would be abstract.
On the other hand, the Shape class’s subclasses may all be instantiated and have access to the same functions and attributes. This would enable you to treat all shapes equally, even though they can be different.
When it comes to OOP, a C++ abstract class serves the purpose of a powerful and efficient tool for achieving polymorphic behavior. Subclasses that can differ in how they specifically implement a common behavior can be made by declaring that behavior in a C++ abstract class.
As a result, you may design code that can be applied to various object types without worrying about how the behavior would be implemented specifically.
As an illustration, you could develop the general behavior of all shapes into an abstract class named Shape. Methods for drawing the shape and figuring out its area and perimeter could all be a part of this behavior.
After that, you may make subclasses of Shapes for particular forms like Circles, Rectangles, and Triangles. Each of these subclasses would implement the common functionality of Shape in a manner unique to the type of shape it represents.
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Below are the key benefits of Abstract class in C++ for your better understanding:
C++ Abstract Class | Interface |
---|---|
Using the Extend keyword, an abstract class in C++ can enforce an interface and inherit from another class. | Regarding inheritance, an interface can only inherit from another interface. |
Inheriting from an abstract class is possible with the extends keyword. | The implements keyword is the only way to put an interface into use. |
Consider creating a calculator that outputs the perimeter when a shape is entered. Think about the kind of code you would implement in such a calculator. You can start with a few fundamental forms and hardcode the perimeter if you create unique functions inside the Shape class. That’s how the class might show up on display:
An effective tool for building frameworks for code reuse is abstract classes. You can provide a group of classes with a common interface and require subclasses to implement specific methods by utilizing abstract classes.
Your code may become more adaptable, extendable, and simple to comprehend and maintain. You must learn more about them if you’re seeking a technique to increase the reusability of your code. To do so, check out Hero Vired’s data science and analytics course certification offer!
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