Additional Notes
When might using an interface be preferable over an abstract class?
Track: Java
Topic: OOP
Focus: Abstract Classes
Java: Abstract Classes
Answer
When you need multiple inheritance or no shared implementation.
Interfaces are preferable when you want a class to implement behaviors from multiple sources since Java allows implementing multiple interfaces. Interfaces also fit when there's no shared code to inherit, just method signatures. For example, a 'Flyable' interface can be implemented by both 'Bird' and 'Airplane' classes, without dictating how flying must be implemented.
Interfaces are preferable when you want a class to implement behaviors from multiple sources since Java allows implementing multiple interfaces. Interfaces also fit when there's no shared code to inherit, just method signatures. For example, a 'Flyable' interface can be implemented by both 'Bird' and 'Airplane' classes, without dictating how flying must be implemented.
Topics: Abstract Classes Java OOP