What is the difference between an abstract function and a virtual function?

oop language-agnostic abstract virtual-functions
Moran Helman picture Moran Helman · Dec 24, 2008 · Viewed 608.6k times · Source

What is the difference between an abstract function and a virtual function? In which cases is it recommended to use virtual or abstract? Which one is the best approach?

Answer

BFree picture BFree · Dec 24, 2008

An abstract function cannot have functionality. You're basically saying, any child class MUST give their own version of this method, however it's too general to even try to implement in the parent class.

A virtual function, is basically saying look, here's the functionality that may or may not be good enough for the child class. So if it is good enough, use this method, if not, then override me, and provide your own functionality.

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