Abstract data types as reusable software components: the case for twin ADTs

data types as reusable software components: the case for twin ADTS by K. Sikkel and J.C. van Wet Abstract data types (ADTs) are typical candidates for reusable software components. An important, although generally undecidable, question is how to design ADTs so as to make them truly reusable. In this paper, we present an elaborate example, showing that the most abstract ADT is not necessarily the most reusable one. Instead, we felt the need to supply ADTs reflecting alternative representations of one abstract notion. This leads to some general observations about the usability aspects of software components.data types (ADTs) are typical candidates for reusable software components. An important, although generally undecidable, question is how to design ADTs so as to make them truly reusable. In this paper, we present an elaborate example, showing that the most abstract ADT is not necessarily the most reusable one. Instead, we felt the need to supply ADTs reflecting alternative representations of one abstract notion. This leads to some general observations about the usability aspects of software components.