Abstract class

[Sudipta Das]

This question is from the mock exam http://jquest.webjump.com. The correct answer is given as 'a'. But I think both 'a' & 'c' are correct. Please advise me.

You are creating a ToolBase class which will be extended by other programmers. The ToolBase class contains a single abstract method, createTool.
Which of the following statements are true?
Ans :
a. The ToolBase class must be declared abstract
b. The ToolBase class must not be declared final
c. The following variable declaration is illegal in any context "ToolBase myTB;"

[Sean Casey]

As far as I can tell the correct answers are a & b. The class has to be abstract because it contains an abstract method. B is correct because an abstract class cannot be final, and it says that the class is being made so programmers are able to extend it. C is a bit ambiguous, but I don't see how you could have a reference to an object that is a class that isn't even defined yet.

[Thomas Paul]

ToolBase tb = new ChildOfToolBase();

[Adrian Yan]

A and B are correct.
1. If a class has an abstract method, then the class must be defined abstract.
2. An abstract class can have final methods, but a final class can't have abstract methods.
3. You can't not instantiate an abstract class, but you can create an object reference (like Thomas's post).

[Thomas Paul]

C is also correct. There is nothing wrong with creating a variable defintion such as:
MyAbstractClass mac;
You can even do this:
MyAbstractClass mac = new MyAbstractClass() {
... anonymous definition of abstract methods
};
Example:
Runnable r = new Runnable() {
public void run() { // implementing code }
};

[Zkr Ryz]

a. The ToolBase class must be declared abstract TRUE
b. The ToolBase class must not be declared final TRUE
c. The following variable declaration is illegal in any context "ToolBase myTB; FALSE


Only a&b should be correct answers not c.

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[vivek bawge]

c is also perfectly correct is the ToolBase class is abstract and not an interface
i was able to compile
abstract class TestAbstract{
abstract void f();
TestAbstract t;
}
Thanks
Vivek

[Dave Terrian]

Ok, you're all confusing me. C says that it's illegal. Because you can do this (TestAbstract t) then C is not a correct answer. The answer's A and B, right?

[This message has been edited by Dave Terrian (edited April 23, 2001).]

[vivek bawge]

Sorry for the confusion that arised because i concentrated more on Thomas's reply.
Yes, I am pretty positive that the answers are A and B only and C is false because such a declaration is legal indeed
Thanks,
Vivek