abstraction
1. Generalisation; ignoring or hiding details to capture some kind of
commonality between different instances. Examples are abstract data types (the
representation details are hidden), abstract syntax (the details of the concrete
syntax are ignored), abstract interpretation (details are ignored to analyse
specific properties).
2. <programming> Parameterisation, making something a function of
something else. Examples are lambda abstractions (making a term into a function
of some variable), higher-order functions (parameters are functions), bracket
abstraction (making a term into a function of a variable).
Opposite of concretisation.
(1998-06-04)
Nearby terms:
abstract class « abstract data type « abstract
interpretation « abstraction » abstract
machine » Abstract Machine Notation » abstract
syntax
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