Abstract data type
Abstract Data Type
ADTs are a theoretical concept, used in the design and analysis of algorithms, data structures and software systems. In computer science, ADT is a mathematical model for data types. It is defined by its behavior 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 structure, which are concrete representations of data, and are the point of view of an implementer, not a user.
ADT may be defined as a “class of objects whose logical behavior is defined by a set of values and a set of operations”.
Defining an abstract data type
An abstract data type is defined as a mathematical model of the data objects that make up a data type as well as the functions that operate on these objects. There are no standard conventions for defining them.