multiple inheritance in c#.net - abstract classes

Question

One quick question.

I understand that multiple inheritance is not supported in c#.net. But you can still achieve the functionality by implementing multiple interfaces. Now my question is Can a child class inherit from two or more classes as long as they are abstract?

Did you try it? Should be pretty easy to find out (my hunch is that the answer is no, because an abstract class is still a class). — Tim, Dec 28 '13 at 06:33

score 8 · Answer 1 · edited Feb 27 '14 at 15:01

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In short, no. Multiple interface ~~inheritance~~ implementation is possible, but not multiple class inheritance (abstract or not).

edited Feb 27 '14 at 15:01

Mat Nadrofsky

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answered Dec 28 '13 at 06:34

Jason Down

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You mean multiple interface implementation, not inheritance, right? – Tim Dec 28 '13 at 06:38
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Yes, I meant implementation. Late tonight... and family party with a few too many brews ;) – Jason Down Dec 28 '13 at 06:39

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 28 '13 at 06:33

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You can't inherit from multiple classes, period. No matter if abstract or not. Read about extension methods, that may help you a bit: if your classes implement an interface, you can attach common functionality to them without inheritance and copy-paste.

answered Dec 28 '13 at 06:33

fejesjoco

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What do extension methods have to do with interface implementation? – Tim Dec 28 '13 at 06:38
@Tim: Nothing, like I said, they may be used *instead* of inheriting from a base class. – fejesjoco Dec 28 '13 at 07:01

score 2 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:11

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No you can only inherit from one class whether it is abstract or concrete.

Here is link to a question that has quite a detailed discussion of abstract vs base classes

Interface vs Base class

edited May 23 '17 at 12:11

Community

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answered Dec 28 '13 at 06:36

Greg

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multiple inheritance in c#.net - abstract classes

3 Answers3