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abstraction

Posted by ExtraLarge 
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ExtraLarge
abstraction
October 24, 2009 12:22PM
can someone give a layman's definition of abstraction (high and low)? im having trouble understanding this concept
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pruthven
Re: abstraction
October 24, 2009 12:36PM
It has to do with the level of detail. The more abstraction there is, the less detail there is.

High abstraction: less detail
Low abstraction: more detail

Like the example they give of a door

High abstraction: the concept of a door
Low abstraction: the details that make up the door, ex door handle, screw, hinges..etc

Hope that helps somewhat
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ExtraLarge
Re: abstraction
October 24, 2009 12:55PM
ok, thanks. so that is the 'opposite' of refinement? from what i understand refinement increases the level of detail
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pruthven
Re: abstraction
October 25, 2009 12:26PM
Yeah basically, as in Chp 9:

"Abstraction and refinement are complementary concepts. Abstraction enables a designer to specify procedure and data and yet suppress low-level details." This would be high abstraction.

"Refinement helps the designer to reveal low-level details as design progresses" - So as design progresses, you reach lower levels of abstraction through refinement.
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Wiseguy
Re: abstraction
October 27, 2009 08:44AM
ExtraLarge Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> can someone give a layman's definition of
> abstraction (high and low)? im having trouble
> understanding this concept

You ExtraLarge ... one of the MCQ's was about abstraction !!
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