Generic classes in an object-based language

Abstract

This paper investigates the syntax and semantics of specifications of generic classes (parameterized types) in an object-based language, LD ³, developed by the author. the hope is that this specific example will suggest a general approach to generic types involving objects (=data types with internal states). In an earlier paper [5] we presented the syntax for generic classes in LD ³ and showed that the passing of parameters could be treated in terms of pushouts in a manner close to that found in the treatment of algebraic data types but with different categories. This paper summarizes those results and then introduces a treatment of the semantics of generic classes for LD ³. Again, while the categories involved are very different, the results are very reminiscent of those found in algebraic specifications.