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An abstract class in Python is a class that cannot be instantiated directly. Instead, it serves as a blueprint for other classes. Abstract classes allow you to define methods that must be created within any child class built from the abstract class.
However, using an abstract class can be confusing for beginners, especially when understanding the purpose and implementation of abstract methods in Python.
Without abstract classes, managing shared methods in multiple subclasses can become cumbersome and less organized.
In this guide, we'll explore how to use an abstract class in Python example, and walk you through the concept of abstract methods.
By the end, you will have a basic understanding of how to implement abstract classes and methods, which will improve the organization and maintainability of your Python programs.
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In Python, abstract base classes (ABCs) are used to define common methods that must be implemented in child classes. But why would you use abstract class in Python?
The key reason is that it provides a clear structure and ensures that all derived classes have the required methods, making your code more consistent and easier to maintain.
Without abstract base classes, you may end up with subclasses that don’t implement all necessary methods or behave inconsistently. An abstract method in Python ensures that any class inheriting from the abstract class must provide an implementation for that method, promoting code integrity.
This approach is essential when building complex systems where consistency across subclasses is important.
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Abstract Base Classes (ABCs) ensure that a base class defines methods that any subclass must implement.
Let’s take a look at an example:
from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
# Create an abstract base class
class Shape(ABC):
@abstractmethod
def area(self):
pass
@abstractmethod
def perimeter(self):
pass
# Create a class inheriting from Shape
class Rectangle(Shape):
def __init__(self, width, height):
self.width = width
self.height = height
# Implement the abstract methods
def area(self):
return self.width * self.height
def perimeter(self):
return 2 * (self.width + self.height)
# Create a Rectangle object
rect = Rectangle(5, 10)
# Output the area and perimeter
print(f"Area of Rectangle: {rect.area()}")
print(f"Perimeter of Rectangle: {rect.perimeter()}")
Output:
Area of Rectangle: 50Perimeter of Rectangle: 30
Explanation:
The Shape class is defined as an abstract class by inheriting from ABC. The area() and perimeter() methods are abstract methods because they are decorated with @abstractmethod. These methods have no implementation in the base class.
The Rectangle class inherits from Shape. It is required to implement the area() and perimeter() methods, as defined by the abstract class. This ensures that any class inheriting from Shape will have these essential methods.
We create an instance of Rectangle with width 5 and height 10. Since Rectangle has implemented the required abstract methods, we can successfully instantiate it and call the methods.
The program outputs the area (50) and perimeter (30) of the rectangle, as expected.
Why Is This Important?
Also Read: Abstract Class in Java and Methods [With Examples]
In Python, abstract properties allow you to define properties in an abstract class that any subclass must implement. Like abstract methods, abstract properties are defined without implementation in the base class, but they must be given concrete implementations in the derived classes.
Abstract properties provide a way to enforce a consistent structure in your classes.
Let’s look at an example:
from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
# Create an abstract class
class Animal(ABC):
@property
@abstractmethod
def sound(self):
pass
# Create a subclass of Animal
class Dog(Animal):
def __init__(self, name):
self._name = name
# Implement the abstract property
@property
def sound(self):
return "Bark"
# Create another subclass of Animal
class Cat(Animal):
def __init__(self, name):
self._name = name
# Implement the abstract property
@property
def sound(self):
return "Meow"
# Instantiate Dog and Cat
dog = Dog("Buddy")
cat = Cat("Whiskers")
# Output the sounds
print(f"The sound of {dog._name} is: {dog.sound}")
print(f"The sound of {cat._name} is: {cat.sound}")
Output:
The sound of Buddy is: BarkThe sound of Whiskers is: Meow
Explanation:
Why Use Abstract Properties?
In Python, abstract base classes (ABCs) can also contain concrete methods—methods that are completely implemented in the abstract class itself.
The presence of concrete methods in an abstract class allows for a blend of enforced structure and reusable code.
Let’s look at an example:
from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
# Create an abstract class with both abstract and concrete methods
class Animal(ABC):
@abstractmethod
def sound(self):
pass
# Concrete method
def describe(self):
return "This is an animal."
# Create a subclass of Animal
class Dog(Animal):
def __init__(self, name):
self._name = name
# Implement the abstract method
def sound(self):
return "Bark"
# Create another subclass of Animal
class Cat(Animal):
def __init__(self, name):
self._name = name
# Implement the abstract method
def sound(self):
return "Meow"
# Instantiate Dog and Cat
dog = Dog("Buddy")
cat = Cat("Whiskers")
# Output the sounds and descriptions
print(f"The sound of {dog._name} is: {dog.sound()}")
print(dog.describe()) # Using the concrete method from Animal
print(f"The sound of {cat._name} is: {cat.sound()}")
print(cat.describe()) # Using the concrete method from Animal
Output:
The sound of Buddy is: BarkThis is an animal.The sound of Whiskers is: MeowThis is an animal.
Explanation:
Why Use Concrete Methods in Abstract Classes?
In Python, an abstract class cannot be instantiated directly. Attempting to do so will result in a TypeError. This behavior exists because abstract classes are designed to be inherited by other classes, not used as stand-alone objects. Abstract classes provide a blueprint for subclasses, enforcing the implementation of abstract methods and properties. This ensures that derived classes are consistent and complete.
Let’s look at an example:
from abc import ABC, abstractmethod
# Define an abstract base class
class Animal(ABC):
@abstractmethod
def sound(self):
pass
# Try to instantiate the abstract class
try:
animal = Animal() # This will raise a TypeError
except TypeError as e:
print(f"Error: {e}")
Output:
Error: Can't instantiate abstract class Animal with abstract methods sound
Explanation:
In order to work with abstract classes, you need to define a subclass that implements all abstract methods. This subclass can then be instantiated.
# Create a subclass of Animal
class Dog(Animal):
def sound(self):
return "Bark"
# Instantiate the Dog class
dog = Dog()
print(dog.sound())
Output:
Bark
Explanation:
Why Can’t We Instantiate an Abstract Class?
A. An abstract class in Python is a class that cannot be instantiated directly. It can include abstract methods that any subclass must implement.
A. An abstract method in Python is a method declared in an abstract class that does not have an implementation. Subclasses must implement this method.
A. No, you cannot instantiate an abstract class in Python example directly. It must be inherited, and its abstract methods must be implemented before instantiation.
A. Abstract classes in Python help enforce a structure for subclasses, ensuring that all required methods are implemented making code more organized and maintainable.
A. If a subclass doesn't implement the abstract methods, Python will raise a TypeError, indicating that the subclass must define all abstract methods from its abstract class.
A. Yes, abstract classes can have concrete methods, which are fully implemented methods that can be used by subclasses, in addition to abstract methods that must be overridden.
A. Python treats abstract classes as a blueprint for other classes. They cannot be instantiated on their own and must be extended by other classes that provide concrete implementations.
A. While both define a contract for subclasses, an abstract class in Python example can include method implementations, whereas an interface only specifies methods to be implemented with no implementation.
A. Yes, an abstract class in Python example can have abstract properties, which must be implemented by the subclass, just like abstract methods.
A. Yes, an abstract class can inherit from multiple interfaces or abstract classes in Python, allowing it to enforce the implementation of multiple sets of methods.
A. You can define a constructor in an abstract class in Python example like any other class. However, the constructor cannot be used directly until the class is subclassed and instantiated.
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