Abstract
This article provides an overview of abstraction, a concept used in many fields of science and engineering. Abstraction is the process of removing physical, spatial, or temporal details or attributes in order to represent information in a simplified form. Abstraction allows for easier management of large amounts of information by focusing on the higher-level concepts, rather than the details. This article provides examples of abstraction from both engineering and computer science, as well as a discussion of the benefits of abstraction.
Introduction
Abstraction is a process used to simplify complex structures by removing details or attributes. The concept of abstraction is used in many fields of science and engineering, such as computer science, mathematics, engineering, and physics. Abstraction is the process of removing physical, spatial, or temporal details or attributes in order to represent information in a simplified form. This process of abstraction allows for easier management of large amounts of information by focusing on the higher-level concepts, rather than the details.
Examples from Engineering
In engineering, abstraction is used to simplify systems by focusing on the main components and ignoring the details. For example, when designing a car, engineers focus on the essential components such as the engine, transmission, and suspension. They can then focus on the higher-level concepts such as power, performance, and safety. By abstracting away the details, engineers can quickly and efficiently design a car that meets the desired performance specifications.
Examples from Computer Science
In computer science, abstraction is used to simplify programming by breaking down complex tasks into simpler parts. For example, when programming a web application, the programmer can use abstractions such as classes and functions to break down the task into smaller parts. By abstracting away the details of the programming task, the programmer can focus on the higher-level concepts of the application, such as the user interface and data flow.
Benefits of Abstraction
Abstraction allows for easier management of large amounts of information. By focusing on the higher-level concepts, rather than the details, complex systems can be simplified and quickly understood. Abstraction also allows for flexibility; by abstracting away the details, it is easier to make changes to a system without having to re-write the entire code. Additionally, abstraction allows for easier debugging; by abstracting away the details, it is easier to identify and fix errors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, abstraction is a process used in many fields of science and engineering to simplify complex systems by removing details or attributes. Abstraction allows for easier management of large amounts of information by focusing on the higher-level concepts, rather than the details. This article provided examples of abstraction from both engineering and computer science, as well as a discussion of the benefits of abstraction.
References
Tate, A. (2020). What is Abstraction in Programming?. Retrieved from https://www.upwork.com/hiring/development/what-is-abstraction-in-programming/
Gates, B. (2018). Abstraction and Encapsulation. Retrieved from https://www.tutorialspoint.com/software_engineering/software_engineering_abstraction_and_encapsulation.htm
Friedman, B. (2020). Abstraction in Software Development. Retrieved from https://www.tutorialspoint.com/software_engineering/software_engineering_abstraction_in_software_development.htm