generic programming

programming A programming technique which aims to make

programs more adaptable by making them more general. Generic

programs often embody non-traditional kinds of polymorphism;

ordinary programs are obtained from them by suitably

instantiating their parameters. In contrast with normal

programs, the parameters of a generic programs are often quite

rich in structure. For example they may be other programs,

types or type constructors or even programming

paradigms.

(1997-11-22)