Abstract data type

What is abstract data type?
In computer science, an abstract data type is a theoretical data type that is largely defined and worked on by the operations and the constraints that apply. Those skilled in the art describe an abstract data type as a 'mathematical model' for groups of data types or as a 'value with associated operations' that is independent of any particular implementation.

When it comes to abstract data types, it is helpful to have more concrete data types that are more clearly defined. In contrast, abstract data types are meant to be broader definitions. For example, an examination of abstract data types in Java often includes the 'list' data type, which may be open to various implementations. IT pros could also use the idea of a 'real life' example, where a more abstract identifier like 'car' represents the abstract data type and a narrower, more precise identifier like 'Nissan Altima' represents a defined or concrete data type.