Java Language Tutorial => Implementing interfaces in an abstract class

Example

A method defined in an interface is by default public abstract. When an abstract class implements an interface, any methods which are defined in the interface do not have to be implemented by the abstract class. This is because a class that is declared abstract can contain abstract method declarations. It is therefore the responsibility of the first concrete sub-class to implement any abstract methods inherited from any interfaces and/or the abstract class.

public interface NoiseMaker {
    void makeNoise();
}

public abstract class Animal implements NoiseMaker {
    //Does not need to declare or implement makeNoise()
    public abstract void eat();
}

//Because Dog is concrete, it must define both makeNoise() and eat()
public class Dog extends Animal {
    @Override
    public void makeNoise() {
        System.out.println("Borf borf");
    }

    @Override
    public void eat() {
        System.out.println("Dog eats some kibble.");
    }
}

From Java 8 onward it is possible for an interface to declare default implementations of methods which means the method won't be abstract, therefore any concrete sub-classes will not be forced to implement the method but will inherit the default implementation unless overridden.

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Java Language Interfaces Implementing interfaces in an abstract class

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