Understanding Abstraction in OOP

Hello, fellow coder! Today, we'll decode Java's Abstraction principle, a powerful tool in Object-Oriented Programming. Abstraction is our superhero against seemingly overwhelming complexity, revealing only the necessary details. Are you ready for the fun?

Imagine Abstraction as a superboat, stripping off the complexities and giving you just the essentials to operate effectively. It’s not about understanding all the intricate details; it is about focusing on what truly matters. Consider it this way — to drive a car, you only engage with its external controls while the complex workings beneath remain hidden.

Abstraction in Java

In Java, objects are defined through classes. Every class serves as a preliminary blueprint for an object. It stipulates both the data (attributes) and their potential behaviors (methods). Similar to a car’s control panel, an object's class provides a user-friendly interface, concealing the complex mechanics within.

When utilizing a Java ArrayList, you employ methods like add(), remove(), and sort(). You do so without needing to comprehend how Java manages the list's memory space. The internal workings are abstracted.

Java's Abstract Classes

In Java, classes that possess abstract methods are termed "abstract classes." An abstract class in Java is akin to the pearl inside an oyster, housing at least one abstract method. Each abstract method in an abstract class awaits its implementation in subclasses.

Consider this simple example:

Sign up
Join the 1M+ learners on CodeSignal
Be a part of our community of 1M+ users who develop and demonstrate their skills on CodeSignal