Abstract Data Types (ADTs)
Abstract Data Types (ADTs) Introduction to Abstract Data Types (ADTs) In the world of computer science and programming, Abstract Data Types (ADTs) act as a conceptual framework for organizing and processing data. They define what operations can be performed on data , while hiding the technical details of how these operations are implemented . This separation of logic from implementation is what makes ADTs so powerful in building scalable and efficient software systems. Think of ADTs as a user manual for data structures. For example, when you work with a Queue ADT , you only need to know that you can add elements (enqueue) and remove elements (dequeue) in First In, First Out (FIFO) order. You don’t need to worry whether the system uses an array, linked list, or circular buffer underneath—it just works as expected. The importance of ADTs becomes evident in today’s real-time applications: Banking Systems – Customer transactions are often managed in a queue structure, ensuri...