What are the best practices for using abstract classes in programming?

What are the best practices for using abstract classes in programming?

When using abstract classes, ensure they provide a clear contract for subclasses, promote code reuse, and avoid unnecessary complexity.

Can you give me an example of when to use an abstract class?

Sure! Use an abstract class when you have a base class that should not be instantiated on its own but provides common functionality for derived classes.

What are the differences between abstract classes and interfaces?

Abstract classes can have both abstract and concrete methods, while interfaces can only have abstract methods (until Java 8, which introduced default methods).

How do I decide whether to use an abstract class or an interface?

Choose an abstract class when you want to share code among closely related classes, and use an interface when you want to define a contract for unrelated classes.

Are there any common pitfalls to avoid with abstract classes?

Yes, avoid overusing abstract classes, ensure they remain focused, and don't let them become too complex or bloated.