2.1.1 Thinking Abstractly

Question 1

What is abstraction?

Answer 1

The process of removing unnecessary details and keeping the details that are important in context

Question 2

Why is abstraction needed?

Answer 2

• Without abstraction, it would be difficult and confusing to model and display certain features
• For programmers, extra programming and resources that are unnecessary may be used which could detract the main purpose of the program

Question 3

How is abstraction useful for software development?

Answer 3

• Enables for more efficient software design as programmers can focus on the core elements
• Saves time needed to spend on the project
• Prevents program from getting unnecessarily large

Question 4

How does abstraction allow non experts to make use of a system?

Answer 4

Hides irrelevant and complex information in abstract models

Question 5

State two advantages of abstraction in programming language

Answer 5

• Easier to remember syntax in high level language as it is close to natural language
• Coding becomes accessible to beginners

Question 6

What is the difference between abstraction and reality?

Answer 6

• Reality is the process of keeping everything the same without removing or adding any details
• Abstraction is the simplified representation of reality

Question 7

How are flowcharts an example of abstraction?

Answer 7

• Flowcharts are an example of abstracted program code