When should I use abstract classes in Python?

When should I use abstract classes in Python?

Abstract classes in Python are used when you want to define a common interface for a group of related classes. They allow you to enforce that certain methods must be implemented in any subclass.

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'

class Cat(Animal):
    def sound(self):
        return 'Meow'

What happens if I don't implement the abstract method in a subclass?

If you don't implement the abstract method in a subclass, Python will raise a TypeError when you try to instantiate that subclass.

Are there any performance implications of using abstract classes?

Generally, the performance impact is minimal. The main purpose of abstract classes is to provide a clear structure and enforce method implementation, rather than to optimize performance.