About

An abstract data type (ADT) is is defined by its methods (semantics) from the point of view of the user, specifically in terms of:

  • possible values,
  • possible operations.

It implements the concept of abstraction.

An ADT may have then several implementation. (And therefore several concrete representations on the disk).

An ADT is implemented in a language through an interface. The two terms are then interchangeable.

All type that are not abstract are called concrete types.

Example

The Abstract Data Type table may be implemented as:

  • a list of row
  • or a list of column

Add the fact that data may be compressed and you may have aliases in one of this list.

List non-exhaustive of abstract data type

Documentation / Reference