[prev] [index] [next]

Abstract Data Types

Abstract data types (ADTs) are ...
  • an approach to implementing data types
  • that separates interface from implementation
  • clients of the ADT see only the interface (abstract view)
    • function signatures (prototypes) for all operations
    • semantics of operations (via documentation)
  • the builder of the ADT provides an implementation
    • definition of the data structures (representation)
    • implementation for all operations as functions