Difference between interfaces and abstract classes in Java

This is very common question in core java interview for entry level programmer so let’s discuss some important point of difference as below:

Difference between interfaces and abstract classes

abstract class	interface
Abstract class may not be contain abstarct method or may be contain. we can say it can have abstract and non-abstract methods.	By default all methods of interface are abstract.
An abstract class may contain non-final variables.	Variables declared in a Java interface is by default final.
A Java abstract class can have the any flavors of class members like private, abstract.	Members of a Java interface are public by default.
An abstract class required when we want some default behavior in our project as like in DAO layer there are some common behavior save object, delete object etc.	Java interface is required when we want implement contract between service and client.
The abstract keyword is used to declare abstract class. Example: public abstract class Shape{ public abstract void draw(); }	The interface keyword is used to declare interface. Example: public interface Drawable{ void draw(); }
A Java abstract class should be extended using keyword “extends”. Example: public class Circle extends Shape{ public void draw(){ //draw circle; } }	Java interface should be implemented using keyword “implements”; Example: public class Circle implements Drawable{ public void draw(){ //draw circle; } }
Abstract class can have static methods, main method and constructor.	Interface can’t have static methods, main method or constructor.
Abstract class doesn’t support multiple inheritance.	Interface supports multiple inheritance.

Popular Tutorials

Abstract Class Examples in Java –

abstract class Shape{
    abstract void draw();
}

class Rectangle extends Shape{
   void draw(){
     System.out.println("Drawing Rectangle");
   }
}

class Traingle extends Shape{
   void draw(){
     System.out.println("Drawing Traingle");
   }
}

class AbstractDemo{
   public static void main(String args[]){  
       Shape s1 = new Rectangle();
       s1.draw();
       s1 = new Traingle();
       s1.draw();
    }
}

Output:
Drawing Rectangle
Drawing Traingle.

Interface Examples in Java –

interface Drawable{
    abstract void draw();
    abstract void fillColor();
}

class abstract BlueShape implement Drawable{
   void fillColor(){
     System.out.println("Fill Blue color in Shape");
   }
}

class Traingle extends BlueShape {
   void draw(){
     System.out.println("Drawing Blue Traingle");
   }
}

class InterfaceDemo{
   public static void main(String args[]){  
       Drawable s1 = new Traingle();
       s1.draw();
     }
}