2.08 What is Abstraction?

2.8 What is Abstraction? Curriculum Page

Portfolio Reflection Questions:

1. Write an explanation of abstraction, including at least one example, in your own words.
   • Abstraction is a simple, general representation of something like a place, person, or idea that includes only a minimal description in order to provide a useful, condensed idea. An example of an abstraction is a model of a ship. This is because, the abstraction will show only the necessary details to make the model useful, but it won't show every detail of the ship like each individual piece of furniture and everything in the chests.
2. Give 2-3 examples of abstractions in everyday life not identified in the lecture.
   • Some examples of abstractions in everyday life include driving a car. This is an abstraction because most people only have limited understanding about how a car works. They know that the gas causes the car to go, brake to stop, and a few other technicalities. However, most people don't understand the complete process that occurs and how a car actually works, like the internal processes. Another example is a smart phone. Similarly to the car, most people know the basic functions of a smart phone and how the apps work. But, they do not understand the internal functions and processes of the phone.
3. Consider an example of software, a mobile application, or a web site and explain how it is an abstraction
   • An example of an application that is an abstraction is the MIT App Inventor. This is an abstraction because it is a simple representation of what coding is. Instead of using in depth code to perform certain events, the "blocks" can just be used. It also is simple because it uses high level language that is easy for common people to use.