Question

What is the difference between an ADT you define in \(\mathrm{C}_{++}\) and a class you define in \(\mathrm{C}++?\)

Short answer

The key difference between an ADT and a class in C++ lies in their abstraction level and implementation. An ADT is a high-level theoretical model that describes the behavior of a data structure, focusing on data abstraction. In contrast, a class in C++ is a concrete implementation that combines data and operations, with support for object-oriented programming features like inheritance and polymorphism.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Abstract Data Type (ADT) in C++

ADT is a high-level description of a collection of data and operations on that data. It describes the data structure, the relationship between the data, and the operations that can be performed on them. The data and operations are encapsulated, meaning that the implementation details are hidden from the user.

Understand Classes in C++

A class in C++ is a blueprint for creating objects. It is a data structure that combines data (attributes) and functions (methods) that operate on the data. Classes provide encapsulation and can also support inheritance and polymorphism.

Compare ADT and Class in C++

To identify the differences between an ADT and a Class in C++, we can consider the following points: 1. Concept: An ADT defines a data type in terms of the operations that can be performed on it, while a Class defines both the data and the operations that can be performed on it. 2. Abstraction: ADT focuses on data abstraction, hiding the details about data storage and manipulation. A Class in C++ also provides abstraction, but it focuses on both data and operation details, hiding the internal implementation. 3. Implementation: ADT is a general concept that can be implemented in various programming languages. It can be seen as a theoretical model that describes the intended behavior of a data structure. A Class, on the other hand, is specific to object-oriented programming languages like C++ and has a concrete syntax and semantics for implementation. 4. Inheritance and Polymorphism: Classes in C++ support inheritance and polymorphism, which allow for efficient code reusability and extensibility. ADTs, as a conceptual model, do not inherently support these features.

Conclusion

In summary, the key difference between an ADT and a class in C++ lies in their abstraction level and implementation. An ADT is a high-level theoretical model that describes the behavior of a data structure, while a class in C++ is a concrete implementation that combines data and operations, with support for object-oriented programming features like inheritance and polymorphism.