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__abstract 

Note

This topic applies only to version 1 of Managed Extensions for C++. This syntax should only be used to maintain version 1 code. See abstract (C++) for information on using the equivalent functionality in the new syntax.

Declares a managed class that cannot be instantiated directly.

__abstract class-specifier
__abstract struct-specifier

Remarks

The __abstract keyword declares that the target class can only be used as a base class of another class. Applying __abstract to a class or structure does not imply that the result is a __gc class or __gc structure.

Differing from the C++ notion of an abstract base class, a class with the __abstract keyword can define its member functions.

Note

The __abstract keyword is not allowed when used with the __value or __sealed keyword and redundant when used with the __interface keyword.

Example

In the following example, the Derived class is derived from an abstract base class (Base). Instantiation is then attempted on both, but only Derived is successful.

// keyword__abstract.cpp
// compile with: /clr:oldSyntax
#using <mscorlib.dll>

__abstract __gc class Base {
   int BaseFunction() {
      return 0;
   }
};

__gc class Derived: public Base {};

int main() {
   Base* MyBase = new Base();   // C3622 can't BAse is abstract
   Derived* MyDerived = new Derived();
}