Business Glossary
Business Definition for: abstract
- a summary of a document or file. For example, in Java programming, a JAR file contains class files together with an encrypted abstract (summary) calculated with a kind of hash function. If one of the class files is tampered with, the hash function calculated from the downloaded files will not match the hash function in the abstract, so the verifier will not allow the class to load. See also manifest .
- not tied to a specific pre-existing example. For example, an abstract data type is one that does not correspond exactly to anything in the architecture of the computer; instead, it is declared by the programmer to suit the purposes of the program.
In object-oriented programming, a class is declared abstract if there will not be any data or methods specific to that class; instead, it is to be used as a superclass for other classes that will have specific data. An abstract class cannot be instantiated, but other classes can extend it.
Sponsored Links
Site Map | Contact Us | FAQs | About Us | Media Kit | Reprints | RSS Directory | Sign Up for Free Newsletters | Disclosure Policy
Copyright © 1999 - 2008 AllBusiness.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this content or the data or information included therein may be reproduced,
republished or redistributed without the prior written consent of AllBusiness.com.
Use of this site is governed by our Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy, Terms of Use Agreement and Privacy Policy.
Online Business Database | Online Business Information | Sales and Marketing Solutions | Business Mailing Lists
AllBusiness.com, its parent company D&B, and its affiliates.
