Interfaces

Interfaces are class templates. Although not strictly required, they are part of the organizational structure of object-oriented programming. Interfaces define methods for classes by specifying the method name, the return type (or void) and the method arguments (by type and name). These method definitions are called signatures. Because this is a template, the method signatures contain no code. The code is entered into the implementation of an interface. Interfaces are used in the discipline of polymorphism.

Note these two important points about interfaces:

• If a class implements an interface, all of the interface's methods must appear in the class.
• The implements keyword is used when creating a class that is modeled after an interface.

An analogy

Think of cutting a duck decoy from a block of wood. First, a template is used to trace the pattern onto the wood. Then, when the wood is cut, it resembles the template. At this point, however, neither the template nor the wood have any of the fine details that one would expect from a finished decoy. The template was used to define basic characteristics, not precise details. After multiple duck-shaped pieces have been cut, each one can be carved and decorated uniquely. Yet, they all have the same basic size and shape.

An interface is generally used as a template for multiple classes. These classes all share the methods defined in the interface. However, the implementation of the methods may vary from one class to another.

An example of an interface

An interface named Animal might have method defintions for feed, groom and pet. The feeding, grooming and petting of animals can be as different as the animals themselves.

interface Animal {
    boolean feed(boolean timeToEat);
    void groom();
    void pet();
}

A dog class, for instance, may be implemented in a somewhat predictable way.

class Dog implements Animal {
    boolean feed(boolean timeToEat) {
      // pour food into bowl
      return true;
    }
    void groom() {
      // brush well
    }
    void pet() {
      // pet cautiously
    }
}

Other animal classes, may have specific needs.

class Giraffe implements Animal {
    boolean feed(boolean timeToEat) {
      // point to the trees 
      return true;
    }
    void groom() {
      // get a ladder
      // brush well
    }
    void pet() {
      // get a ladder
      // pet cautiously
    }
}

class Tiger implements Animal {
    boolean feed(boolean timeToEat) {
      // toss raw meat into cage
      return true
    }
    void groom() {
      // tranquilize
      // brush well
    }
    void pet() {
      // DO NOT PET
    }
}

Exercise

Create a gorilla class which implements the Animal interface.