[snip] ...stuff... [/snip] The practical use of an abstract class is in its ability to define criteria for classes that inherit from it. How practical would it be to define a 'truck' class with 4 wheels and then define a 'car' class with 4 wheels when we could define an abstract class that defines vehicles with 4 wheels? Both of our classes can now inherit from that abstract class and we can define features only relevant to them. If you refactor diligently you will no doubt find places where you need to create abstract classes. The methods that are exposed by an object define the interface for that object. It is how everything outside of the object interacts with the object. You don't have to know how the method works all you need is the interface....like the gas pedal on the car. -- PHP General Mailing List (http://www.php.net/) To unsubscribe, visit: http://www.php.net/unsub.php
