In computer science, an abstract data type (ADT) is a mathematical model to describe data types used in Programming Languages. An abstract data type is defined by its behavior (semantics) from the point of view of a user, of the data, specifically in terms of possible values, possible operations on data of this type, and the behavior of these operations. This mathematical model contrasts with data structures, which are concrete representations of data, and are the point of view of an implementer, not a user.
Anki
id: abstract-data-type-definition deck: Computer Science::Data Types tags: data-types abstract-data-type
Q: What is an abstract data type? A: An abstract data type is a model of a type defined by its values and operations rather than by its concrete implementation.
id: abstract-data-type-vs-data-structure deck: Computer Science::Data Types tags: data-types abstract-data-type data-structure
Q: How does an abstract data type differ from a data structure? A: An abstract data type describes behavior from the user’s point of view, while a data structure describes a concrete implementation.