Why are interfaces preferred to abstract classes?

Question

I recently attended an interview and they asked me the question \"Why Interfaces are preferred over Abstract classes?\"

I tried giving a few answers like:

Answer 1

interface is not substitute for abstract class.

Prefer

interface: To implement a contract by multiple unrelated objects

abstract class: To implement the same or different behaviour among multiple related objects

---

Refer to this related SE question for use cases of both interface and abstract class

Interface vs Abstract Class (general OO)

Use case:

If you have to use Template_method pattern, you can't achieve with interface. Abstract class should be chosen to achieve it.

If you have to implement a capability for many unrleated objects, abstract class does not serve the purpose and you have to chose interface.