isAbstract

isAbstract is a boolean property found in programming languages that support object-oriented concepts, particularly in class definitions. When a class is declared as abstract, it signifies that the class is not intended to be instantiated directly. Instead, it serves as a blueprint for other classes, known as concrete subclasses, which inherit from the abstract class.

The primary purpose of an abstract class is to define a common interface or a partial implementation that its subclasses must adhere to. This means that abstract classes can contain both abstract methods and concrete methods. Abstract methods are declared without an implementation, meaning subclasses are required to provide their own specific implementation for these methods. Concrete methods within an abstract class, on the other hand, can have a defined implementation that subclasses can inherit and reuse.

In essence, isAbstract acts as a modifier that prevents direct object creation and enforces a contract for derived classes. This is useful for establishing hierarchical relationships between classes and promoting code reuse and polymorphism. It ensures that certain functionalities are present in all derived classes, even if their specific implementations vary. Developers use abstract classes to model general concepts that are too abstract to exist on their own but provide a foundation for more specific entities.