2.1.1 thinking abstractly

• Thinking abstractly

  programmers can focus on core elements rather than unnecessary detail such as 


  -creating more efficient software designs

  -reduce time spent on the program

  -prevent program from being unnecessarily large
• Thinking abstractly

  what could the similar themes be

  example: symbols

  icons, colour coding
• Thinking abstractly

  what does abstraction mean


  this is removing of unnecessary detail and only keep the key features
• Thinking abstractly

  what is abstraction by generalisation


  grouping together similarities within a problem and identify what kind of problem is it (certain problems are categorised into types) (makes it easier to solve)
• Thinking abstractly

  what is data abstraction


  the details of how data is represented are hidden
• Thinking abstractly

  what is procedural abstraction


  perform functions such as pushing and popping items to and from stack without know about the code used to implement functionality (kind of shows what a subroutine does without considering how it is done)
• Thinking abstractly

  what is representational abstraction


  analysing the relevant details in a scenario and simplifying problem based on information
• thinking abstractly

  devising an abstract mode for a variety of situation what do they have to consider

  -can the problem be solved by compuatationally?

  -what are the key features?

  -what format does the model need to be displayed in?

  -how many people will be using the model?
• thinking abstractly

  the difference between abstraction and reality


  abstraction of a simplified representation of reality

  -real-word entities can be represented using structure such as tables and databases

  -real-world values are stored as variables

  -Objects in object orientated programming (OOP) are also real-world entities which consider the functionality, interface and properties of entities

  -attributes are an abstraction for characteristics of an object

  -methods are an abstraction for the actions a real-world object is able to perform
• thinking abstractly

  the need for abstraction

  what does the TCP/IP shows


  an abstraction of how networks function separated into 4 layers: application, transport, network, link – this makes it simpler to understand