Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

adt

Noun

/ˈeɪ di ti/

Definition

A term often used in technical contexts, particularly in computer science and mathematics, referring to an abstract data type that defines a data structure purely by the operations that can be performed on it, without specifying the details of how those operations are implemented.

Examples

In object-oriented programming, a class can serve as an ADT, defining both the data and the methods that operate on that data.
Common examples of ADTs include Lists, Stacks, and Queues.
Understanding ADTs is crucial for developing efficient algorithms and data structures.

Meaning

ADT stands for Abstract Data Type. It provides a way to encapsulate data and the operations that can be performed on that data, allowing for a high level of abstraction in programming.