Python Abstract Class – Concept, Rules & Real-Time Examples

1. What is an Abstract Class?

An abstract class is a class that cannot be instantiated (you cannot create objects directly). It is used to provide a template or blueprint for other classes.

Real-Time Meaning

Think of an abstract class like a job rulebook. It defines what every employee must do, but the rulebook itself is not an employee.

2. Why Do We Use Abstract Classes?

3. How to Create an Abstract Class in Python?

We use the abc module:

from abc import ABC, abstractmethod

class Payment(ABC):  # abstract class

    @abstractmethod
    def make_payment(self):
        pass  # no implementation

Here, Payment is an abstract class, and make_payment() is an abstract method.

4. Real-Time Example – Different Payment Methods

In every company application, there will be multiple payment methods such as Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, etc. Abstract class ensures that every payment class must have a make_payment() method.

from abc import ABC, abstractmethod

class Payment(ABC):
    @abstractmethod
    def make_payment(self, amount):
        pass

class CreditCardPayment(Payment):
    def make_payment(self, amount):
        print(f"Paid {amount} using Credit Card")

class DebitCardPayment(Payment):
    def make_payment(self, amount):
        print(f"Paid {amount} using Debit Card")

# Usage
cc = CreditCardPayment()
cc.make_payment(500)

5. Rules of Abstract Classes

6. Abstract Class with Normal Methods

from abc import ABC, abstractmethod

class Vehicle(ABC):

    def engine(self):
        print("Engine started")

    @abstractmethod
    def wheels(self):
        pass

class Bike(Vehicle):
    def wheels(self):
        print("Bike has 2 wheels")

bk = Bike()
bk.engine()
bk.wheels()

7. Summary