generic programming

Generic programming is a style of computer programming where algorithms are written in an extended grammar and are made adaptable by specifying variable parts that are then somehow instantiated later by the compiler with respect to the base grammar. Specifically, the extended grammar raises a non-variable element or implicit construct in the base grammar to a variable or constant and allows generic code to be used, usually implementing common software patterns that are already expressible in the base language.
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<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)