Examples
A sorting algorithm is an abstract structure, but a recipe is not, because it depends on the properties and quantities of its ingredients.
A simple melody is an abstract structure, but an orchestration is not, because it depends on the properties of particular instruments.
Euclidean geometry is an abstract structure, but the theory of continental drift is not, because it depends on the geology of the Earth.
A formal language is an abstract structure, but a natural language is not, because its rules of grammar and syntax are open to debate and interpretation.
Read more about this topic: Abstract Structure
Famous quotes containing the word examples:
“There are many examples of women that have excelled in learning, and even in war, but this is no reason we should bring ‘em all up to Latin and Greek or else military discipline, instead of needle-work and housewifry.”
—Bernard Mandeville (1670–1733)
“No rules exist, and examples are simply life-savers answering the appeals of rules making vain attempts to exist.”
—André Breton (1896–1966)
“Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends.”
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744)