Abstract method
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Abstract method is one with only a method signature and no implementation body. It is often used to specify that a subclass must provide an implementation of the method. Abstract methods are used to specify interfaces in some computer languages.((Title: Abstract Methods and Classes, https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/java/IandI/abstract.html, [[Publisher: Oracle Java Documentation, Access date: 11 December 2014))
- Snippet from Wikipedia: Method (computer programming)
A method in object-oriented programming (OOP) is a procedure associated with an object, and generally also a message. An object consists of state data and behavior; these compose an interface, which specifies how the object may be used. A method is a behavior of an object parametrized by a user.
Data is represented as properties of the object, and behaviors are represented as methods. For example, a
Windowobject could have methods such asopenandclose, while its state (whether it is open or closed at any given point in time) would be a property.In class-based programming, methods are defined within a class, and objects are instances of a given class. One of the most important capabilities that a method provides is method overriding - the same name (e.g.,
area) can be used for multiple different kinds of classes. This allows the sending objects to invoke behaviors and to delegate the implementation of those behaviors to the receiving object. A method in Java programming sets the behavior of a class object. For example, an object can send anareamessage to another object and the appropriate formula is invoked whether the receiving object is arectangle,circle,triangle, etc.Methods also provide the interface that other classes use to access and modify the properties of an object; this is known as encapsulation. Encapsulation and overriding are the two primary distinguishing features between methods and procedure calls.