Adapter (computing)
Encyclopedia
In computing
, adapter is a hardware device or software component that converts transmitted data from one presentation form to another. The data presentation can be, for example, a message sent between objects in an application or a packet sent through a network.
In modern personal computer, almost every peripheral device uses an adapter to communicate with system bus, for example:
A concept of adapter should not be confused with an expansion card
. Although every expansion card typically implements some kind of adapter, many other adapters in a modern PC are built into the motherboard
itself.
A software component adapter is a type of software that is logically located between two software components and reconciles the differences between them.
In computer programming
, the adapter design pattern (often referred to as the wrapper pattern or simply a wrapper) is a design pattern for adapting one interface
of a class
into another interface that a client expects.
databases, files, messaging systems, enterprise applications and other data
sources and targets.
Each adapter includes a set of adapter commands that can be used to customize
its operation. Adapter commands specify different queues and queue
managers, specific messages by message ID, specific sets of messages with the
same message ID, message descriptors in the data, and more.
Resource adapters answer the question "Where should have the data come from?" and
"Where should the data go?".
The resource adapters provided with many integration products enable data
transformation and adapter-specific behavior recognition on different systems and
data structures.
Computing
Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology...
, adapter is a hardware device or software component that converts transmitted data from one presentation form to another. The data presentation can be, for example, a message sent between objects in an application or a packet sent through a network.
In modern personal computer, almost every peripheral device uses an adapter to communicate with system bus, for example:
- Display adapter used to transmit signal to monitor.
- Universal Serial BusUniversal Serial BusUSB is an industry standard developed in the mid-1990s that defines the cables, connectors and protocols used in a bus for connection, communication and power supply between computers and electronic devices....
(USB) adapters for printerComputer printerIn computing, a printer is a peripheral which produces a text or graphics of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies. Many printers are primarily used as local peripherals, and are attached by a printer cable or, in most new printers, a...
s, keyboardComputer keyboardIn computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...
s and mice, among others. - Network adapter required to attach to any network.
- Host bus adapter to connect hard diskHard diskA hard disk drive is a non-volatile, random access digital magnetic data storage device. It features rotating rigid platters on a motor-driven spindle within a protective enclosure. Data is magnetically read from and written to the platter by read/write heads that float on a film of air above the...
s or other storage.
A concept of adapter should not be confused with an expansion card
Expansion card
The expansion card in computing is a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot of a computer motherboard or backplane to add functionality to a computer system via the expansion bus.One edge of the expansion card holds the contacts that fit exactly into the slot...
. Although every expansion card typically implements some kind of adapter, many other adapters in a modern PC are built into the motherboard
Motherboard
In personal computers, a motherboard is the central printed circuit board in many modern computers and holds many of the crucial components of the system, providing connectors for other peripherals. The motherboard is sometimes alternatively known as the mainboard, system board, or, on Apple...
itself.
A software component adapter is a type of software that is logically located between two software components and reconciles the differences between them.
In computer programming
Computer programming
Computer programming is the process of designing, writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining the source code of computer programs. This source code is written in one or more programming languages. The purpose of programming is to create a program that performs specific operations or exhibits a...
, the adapter design pattern (often referred to as the wrapper pattern or simply a wrapper) is a design pattern for adapting one interface
Interface (computer science)
In the field of computer science, an interface is a tool and concept that refers to a point of interaction between components, and is applicable at the level of both hardware and software...
of a class
Class (computer science)
In object-oriented programming, a class is a construct that is used as a blueprint to create instances of itself – referred to as class instances, class objects, instance objects or simply objects. A class defines constituent members which enable these class instances to have state and behavior...
into another interface that a client expects.
Resource Adapters
Resource adapters are used to retrieve and route data. They provide access todatabases, files, messaging systems, enterprise applications and other data
sources and targets.
Each adapter includes a set of adapter commands that can be used to customize
its operation. Adapter commands specify different queues and queue
managers, specific messages by message ID, specific sets of messages with the
same message ID, message descriptors in the data, and more.
Resource adapters answer the question "Where should have the data come from?" and
"Where should the data go?".
The resource adapters provided with many integration products enable data
transformation and adapter-specific behavior recognition on different systems and
data structures.
See also
- Computer port (hardware)Computer port (hardware)In computer hardware, a port serves as an interface between the computer and other computers or peripheral devices. Physically, a port is a specialized outlet on a piece of equipment to which a plug or cable connects...
- Common electrical adaptors in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom
- Controller (computing)Controller (computing)In computing and especially in computer hardware, controller is a chip, an expansion card, or a stand-alone device that interfaces with a peripheral device...
- Electrical connectorElectrical connectorAn electrical connector is an electro-mechanical device for joining electrical circuits as an interface using a mechanical assembly. The connection may be temporary, as for portable equipment, require a tool for assembly and removal, or serve as a permanent electrical joint between two wires or...