Description: An abstract base class is a class that cannot be instantiated and is used to define a common interface for its subclasses. In the context of object-oriented programming, these classes allow for the establishment of a set of methods and properties that must be implemented by derived classes. This promotes code reuse and consistency in the implementation of similar functionalities. Abstract base classes can contain abstract methods, which are those that do not have an implementation in the base class and must be implemented in subclasses. Additionally, they can include concrete methods that provide common functionality that can be used or overridden by subclasses. In various programming languages and frameworks, abstract base classes are particularly useful for defining shared behaviors or structures among related classes, thus allowing for cleaner and more maintainable code. By using abstract base classes, developers can avoid code duplication and facilitate the extension of their application’s functionality, resulting in more efficient and organized development.