What are the differences between abstract classes and interfaces in Python?

What are the differences between abstract classes and interfaces in Python?

In Python, abstract classes can have both abstract methods and concrete methods, while interfaces (using ABC module) only define abstract methods.

Can you give me an example of an abstract class?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

from abc import ABC, abstractmethod

class Animal(ABC):
    @abstractmethod
    def sound(self):
        pass

class Dog(Animal):
    def sound(self):
        return 'Bark'

What about interfaces? How do they work?

In Python, interfaces can be created using abstract base classes. They define methods that must be implemented by any subclass, like this:

class Vehicle(ABC):
    @abstractmethod
    def drive(self):
        pass

class Car(Vehicle):
    def drive(self):
        return 'Driving a car'

When should I use an abstract class instead of an interface?

Use an abstract class when you want to provide some common functionality or state, and an interface when you want to enforce a contract without any implementation.