Word
abstract class
Definition
compound. a blueprint for other objects in computer programming that cannot be used on its own. It defines general features that other, more specific groups must include.
compound. a base class in object-oriented programming that cannot be instantiated directly and is intended to be subclassed. It typically contains one or more virtual methods that must be implemented by derived classes.
Examples
“You cannot create an object directly from an abstract class.”
“The developer defined 'Shape' as an abstract class so that specific types like 'Circle' and 'Square' would all share the same basic properties.”
“By utilizing an abstract class, the software architecture ensures that all subclasses adhere to a specific interface while preventing the instantiation of an incomplete or overly generic object.”
Examples
simple
“You cannot create an object directly from an abstract class.”
contextual
“The developer defined 'Shape' as an abstract class so that specific types like 'Circle' and 'Square' would all share the same basic properties.”
complex
“By utilizing an abstract class, the software architecture ensures that all subclasses adhere to a specific interface while preventing the instantiation of an incomplete or overly generic object.”
Usage
In technical contexts, it is often used with the verbs 'define', 'inherit from', or 'extend'.
Pitfall
new AbstractClass()
new ConcreteSubclass()
Learners often try to instantiate an abstract class directly, which causes a compiler error because it is only a template.
Etymology
A compound formed from the Latin abstractus, meaning drawn away, and the Middle English classis, denoting a group or division. The term emerged as a formal designation within the development of object-oriented programming languages during the late twentieth century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
Scan code
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