Thinking Abstractly

Question 1

What is the nature of abstraction?

Answer 1

• Removing unnecessary detail and focusing on the essential features.
• A representation of reality. If we abstract too much, the representation of reality will be too simple and vice versa.

Question 2

What is the need for abstraction?

Answer 2

• Removes unnecessary complexity, allowing developers to concentrate on solving problems at an appropriate level of detail.
• Promotes reusability, saving time and resources when working on new projects.

Question 3

The differences between abstraction and reality.

Answer 3

Complexity,
- Abstraction: Simplifies a system by removing unnecessary detail, reducing it’s complexity.
- Reality: Involves all the details and complexities of a system, including what’s irrelevant.

Representation,
- Abstraction: Represents reality using models or diagrams
- Reality: Exists in its unfiltered form.

Scope,
- Abstraction: Has a limited scope, defined by the level of detail needed for a specific task.
- Reality: Includes every feature and detail, relevant or not.

Question 4

Give abstract models for a variety of situations