Interface vs. Inheritance: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 23, 2024
Interface is a contract in programming defining methods without implementing them. Inheritance is a mechanism where a class acquires properties and behaviors of another class.
Key Differences
In programming, an interface is a contract that defines a set of methods without implementing them. It allows different classes to be interchangeable if they implement the same interface. Inheritance, a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming, allows a class to inherit properties and methods from another class, known as the parent class.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Interfaces support the design principle of programming to an interface, not an implementation, enabling loose coupling between classes. Inheritance, meanwhile, represents a strong form of relationship, with a direct dependency between the child and parent class.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Interfaces provide flexibility in programming, allowing one to change the implementations without changing the interface. Inheritance, however, can lead to a rigid structure, making maintenance and updates more complex due to the tight coupling.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Interfaces are often used when different classes need to share a common method signature, whereas inheritance is used when classes share not only method signatures but also behavior and state.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Comparison Chart
Definition
A contract defining a set of methods without implementation.
A mechanism for one class to acquire properties and behaviors of another.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Type of Relationship
Provides a formal contract for classes to implement.
Establishes a parent-child relationship between classes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Flexibility
More flexible, promoting loose coupling.
Less flexible, can create tight coupling.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Reuse and Maintenance
Facilitates easy maintenance and updates.
Can lead to complex maintenance due to inheritance hierarchy.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Common Use
Used for defining a common interface for different implementations.
Used for sharing and extending functionality between classes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Interface and Inheritance Definitions
Interface
A device or program enabling a user to communicate with a computer.
She preferred using a touch interface on her mobile devices.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Inheritance
The genetic characters transmitted from parent to offspring.
His blue eyes are an inheritance from his mother.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Interface
A shared boundary across which two separate components of a computer system exchange information.
The graphical user interface makes the software easy to use.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Inheritance
Qualities, possessions, or status obtained from ancestors.
The ancient manuscripts are part of our cultural inheritance.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Interface
A physical connection between two pieces of equipment.
He plugged the keyboard into the USB interface.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Inheritance
A method in which a new class receives the properties of an existing class.
Inheritance in object-oriented programming allows for code reusability.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Interface
The surface forming a common boundary between two bodies, spaces, or phases.
The interface between oil and water was clearly visible.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Inheritance
The reception of property or title by legal succession or will.
She received the family estate as an inheritance.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Interface
A surface forming a common boundary between adjacent regions, bodies, substances, or phases.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Inheritance
The transmission of biological qualities or diseases from parent to offspring.
Hemophilia in their family was a genetic inheritance.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Interface
A system of interaction or communication between a computer and another entity such as a printer, another computer, a network, or a human user.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Interface
A device, such as a cable, network card, monitor, or keyboard, that enables interaction or communication between a computer and another entity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Interface
(computing) The point of interconnection between systems or subsystems.
The data is sent over the air interface to the remote system.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Interface
(computer science) a program that controls a display for the user (usually on a computer monitor) and that allows the user to interact with the system
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Interface
(computer science) computer circuit consisting of the hardware and associated circuitry that links one device with another (especially a computer and a hard disk drive or other peripherals)
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Interface
A point where two systems, subjects, organizations, etc., meet and interact.
The interface between the two departments facilitated efficient project completion.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 24, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is inheritance in programming?
Inheritance is a mechanism where one class acquires the properties and behaviors of another class.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Is inheritance supported in all programming languages?
Most object-oriented programming languages support inheritance, but the implementation can vary.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Is multiple inheritance allowed in Java?
Java does not support multiple inheritance for classes but allows a class to implement multiple interfaces.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What is an interface in programming?
An interface is a programming structure that defines methods without implementing them.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
How does inheritance promote code reuse?
Inheritance promotes code reuse by allowing new classes to use methods and properties of existing classes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What is the diamond problem in inheritance?
The diamond problem occurs in multiple inheritance when a class inherits from two classes with a common ancestor.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Can an interface implement methods?
Traditionally, interfaces do not implement methods, though modern languages like Java allow default implementations.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
How does an interface differ from an abstract class?
An interface only declares methods, while an abstract class can provide partial implementation.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
How do interfaces promote loose coupling?
Interfaces promote loose coupling by allowing different classes to be interchanged if they implement the same interface.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What is the primary use of an interface?
Interfaces are primarily used to define a contract that various classes can implement.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
How is inheritance implemented in C++?
In C++, inheritance is implemented using the 'extends' keyword for classes.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Can a class implement multiple interfaces?
Yes, a class can implement multiple interfaces.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What is multiple inheritance?
Multiple inheritance is when a class inherits features from more than one parent class.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Are interfaces part of Java's inheritance hierarchy?
Interfaces are not part of the traditional inheritance hierarchy but form their own hierarchy.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Can a class inherit from multiple interfaces?
Yes, a class can inherit from multiple interfaces.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Can interfaces define default behavior in modern programming languages?
Yes, modern programming languages like Java allow interfaces to define default behaviors for methods.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Can interfaces have fields?
Interfaces can have constants but typically do not have fields that store data.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What is method overriding in inheritance?
Method overriding is when a child class provides a specific implementation of a method that is already provided by its parent class.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What is single inheritance?
Single inheritance is when a class inherits from only one parent class.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
What is interface segregation principle?
The interface segregation principle states that no client should be forced to depend on methods it does not use.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 23, 2024
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
