Can we use abstract class instead of interface in wcf as servicecontract?

Question

Can we use abstract class instead of interface in wcf as servicecontract? I have searched a lot on internet but didnt find proper answer.

Pavan Pareta · Answer

Usually we can use service contract over a class too. But it is not a good practice as interfaces allows separation from the implementation logic.

Vulpes · Answer

I don't know for sure but judging by this MSDN link ( http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms734686.aspx ) my guess is that you can only use an interface. If it were possible to use an abstract class instead (which has different semantics) then I think the link would have said so.

DRISHTY · Answer

Tahnks Sam for replying.. But I am asking specifically for WCF.

Sam Hobbs · Answer

Try compiling the following. interface InterfaceBase { void Implemented() // error: interface members cannot have a definition { Console.WriteLine(); } void Unimplemented(); } abstract class classAbstract { void Implemented() { Console.WriteLine(); } abstract public void Unimplemented(); } You can't compile it; you will get an error. I am sorry that I do not know much about WCF and servicecontracts but I assume that a servicecontract cannot have a class with a method that is implemeted. I hope someone will correct me if I am wrong.