Understanding Abstract Base Classes (ABCs) in Python

Photo by James Harrison on Unsplash

Abstract Base Classes (ABCs) in Python provide a way to define common interfaces for a group of related classes. They are a part of the abc module and are useful for ensuring that certain methods are implemented in subclasses.

Why Use Abstract Base Classes?

1. Enforce Method Implementation: ABCs allow you to define methods that must be implemented by any subclass. This ensures a consistent interface across different implementations.
2. Provide a Blueprint: They serve as a blueprint for creating concrete classes, guiding developers on what methods need to be implemented.
3. Promote Code Reusability: By defining common interfaces, ABCs help in writing reusable and modular code.

Creating an Abstract Base Class

Here’s a simple example to illustrate how to create and use an ABC in Python:

from abc import ABC, abstractmethod

# Define an Abstract Base Class
class Animal(ABC):
    
    @abstractmethod
    def make_sound(self):
        pass

# Concrete class implementing the abstract method
class Dog(Animal):
    
    def make_sound(self):
        return "Woof!"

# Another concrete class implementing the abstract method
class Cat(Animal):
    
    def make_sound(self)…