2.1.1 Thinking abstractly

Abstraction

4 mark question:

• abstraction is the process of separating ideas

• from particular instances / reality

• it is a means of hiding detail / only using relevant detail

• it is a representation of reality

• using symbols to show real-life features

• or irrelevant features such as buildings left out

Data abstraction

The storage and representation of data in a computer system along with its logical description and interaction with operators e.g. stacks, queues, integers

how do programmers make use of reusable components when developing large programs

• software is modular

• an example is an object/ function

• modules can be transplanted into new software

• or can be shared at run time

• through the use of program libraries

Why is it necessary to use abstraction

• a real life scenario contains things which aren’t relevant to the simulation

• which would require unnecessary programming

• this would require extra computational resources

• and this could detract from the main purpose of the program

advantages of abstraction

• using abstraction reduces programming time and factors that can detract from the program

• using abstraction can help reduce computational power needed for a program

• focuses on core aspect of the program

disadvantages of abstraction

• too much abstraction can detract from the appeal or purpose of an application.

• It may be too simplistic or not realistic enough