The process of hiding complex implementation details while showing only essential features and functionality to the user. It simplifies interaction by focusing on what something does rather than how it does it.
From Latin 'abstrahere' meaning 'to draw away from,' literally 'abs' (away) + 'trahere' (to draw). In computing since the 1950s, it described the process of 'drawing away' unnecessary complexity to focus on essential concepts.
When you drive a car, you use abstraction constantly - the steering wheel abstracts away the complex mechanical systems that actually turn the wheels, and the gas pedal abstracts the intricate fuel injection process. You just need to know 'turn wheel = car turns'!
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