AP Computer Science

Abstractions and Algorithms

Abstractions

An abstraction is a technique for arranging complexity of computer systems

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstraction_(software_engineering)

You work with an idealized interface and can add additional levels of functionality that would otherwise be too complex to handle.

Examples of abstractions

• variable

• function

• class/object

• library

Abstractions

You are hiding complexity so you don't have to worry about it.

Algorithms

A self-contained sequence of actions to be performed

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algorithm

Abstractions

Algorithms

Hide complexity behind a simple interface.

A self-contained sequence of actions

to be performed