Abstraction vs Encapsulation

In this article we are going to discuss difference between Abstraction and Encapsulation in C#. There are many blogs, articles are available on the internet regarding it but in this particular article I will try to explain to you with as much as simplest and realistic examples so you can get a clear idea of the Abstraction and Encapsulation in C#.

Abstraction Introduction

Abstraction are the way to achieve abstraction in C#. Abstraction in C# is the process to hide the internal details and showing functionality only.

The main goal of abstraction is to reduce complexity and allow the programmer to focus on interactions at a high level.

How it Works

Abstraction in C# can be achieved using abstract classes and interfaces.

Example

If you observe the below code, we defined a Laptop class with required fields, properties, and methods with the public, and private access modifiers to achieve an abstraction functionality by hiding and exposing some of the methods and properties based on our requirements.

using System;
using System.Text;

namespace Tutlane
{
    public class Laptop
    {
        private string brand;
        private string model;
        public string Brand
        {
            get { return brand; }
            set { brand = value; }
        }
        public string Model
        {
            get { return model; }
            set { model = value; }
        }
        public void LaptopCompanyDetails()
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Brand: " + Brand);
            Console.WriteLine("Model: " + Model);
        }
        public void LaptopKeyboard()
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Type using Keyword");
        }
        private void MotherBoardInfo()
        {
            Console.WriteLine("MotheBoard Information");
        }
    }
    class Program
    {
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            Laptop objLap = new Laptop();
            objLap.Brand = "Lenovo";
            objLap.Model = "Model-14";
            objLap.LaptopCompanyDetails();
            objLap.LaptopKeyboard();
        }
    }
}

Output

Encapsulation Introduction

The process of binding or grouping the state(Data Members) and behaviour(Data Functions) together into a single unit(class, interface, struct) is called Encapsulation in C#.

The main goal of encapsulation is to protect the internal state of an object and to control how the data is accessed and modified.

How it Works

Encapsulation is achieved using access modifiers (private, protected, internal, public) to restrict access to the fields of a class. Properties are used to provide controlled access to these fields.

Example

public class Person
{
    // Private fields
    private string name;
 
    // Public property for name
    public string Name
    {
        get { return name; }
        set { name = value; }
    }
}
   
// Usage
class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        Person person = new Person();
        person.Name = "John";
        

        Console.WriteLine($"Name: {person.Name}"); // Output: Name: John
    }
}

Difference Between Abstraction and Encapsulation in C#