Use of Abstract Types
Abstract types are an important feature in statically typed OO languages. Many dynamically typed languages have no equivalent feature (although the use of duck typing makes abstract types unnecessary); however traits are found in some modern dynamically-typed languages.
Some authors argue that classes should be leaf classes (have no subtypes), or else be abstract.
Abstract types are useful in that they can be used to define and enforce a protocol; a set of operations which all objects that implement the protocol must support.
Read more about this topic: Abstract Type
Famous quotes containing the words abstract and/or types:
“A work of art is an abstract or epitome of the world. It is the result or expression of nature, in miniature. For, although the works of nature are innumerable and all different, the result or the expression of them all is similar and single.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Science is intimately integrated with the whole social structure and cultural tradition. They mutually support one other—only in certain types of society can science flourish, and conversely without a continuous and healthy development and application of science such a society cannot function properly.”
—Talcott Parsons (1902–1979)