Abstract Data Type

The abstract data type, or ADT, is a container whose properties (characteristics) and functionality are separate from the implementation. Let’s take about it.

Study Notes

What is abstract? Per Merriam-Webster:

• relating to or involving general ideas or qualities rather than specific people, objects, or actions

We’re separating the general from the specific.

What is an Abstract Data Type (ADT)

• Container
• Properties (data and functionality) are independent from an implementation
• View the type from the application’s (or user’s) perspective
• Model to “abstract” away complexity (abstraction)

Lists

• Designed specifically for the needs of a list
• Properties and functionality to track the list
• Properties: isThere
• Functionality: GetLength, Reset, GetNext, Delete, Insert

Object Data Type

What is an object?

Are they the same house? No, they are instances of the blueprint. They are separate objects.

External Resource

• What is Computation?