algebraic data type

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algebraic data type

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So named because they have algebraic properties with respect to their cardinality similar to normal integers.

noun algebraic data types

A data type formed by combining other types. Generally, algebraic data types represent sums of products, where the cases form the alternatives of a sum type, and each case represents a product type that can be constructed from zero to many constitutent types. An EDT is a special case of ADT where each product type is a singleton.
Similar: ADT

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MLA

"algebraic data type." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/algebraic%20data%20type. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

APA

algebraic data type. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/algebraic%20data%20type

Chicago

"algebraic data type." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/algebraic%20data%20type.

BibTeX

@misc{algebraic_data_type_2026,
  title = {algebraic data type},
  howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://micwyn.com/word/algebraic%20data%20type},
  urldate = {2026-11-06}
}