Abstraction and Decomposition by Jennifer Gillespie

Right now, this is what I know...

jennifergillespie45 — 2024-06-19 18:35:30 UTC

I think that Abstraction is a simplification or succinct version of complex idea and Decomposition is the opposite, breaking down a larger concept into smaller components. We'll see if I'm right!

What it IS and ISN'T

jennifergillespie45 — 2024-06-19 18:35:43 UTC

In regard to abstraction, I had thought of the "abstract" at the beginning of research, where the most important information was shared succinctly without excess detail. The example shared from this resource noted that the filtering was the most important element, using the example of preschoolers sorting buttons based on attribute. I hadn't previously made the connection with sorting and filtering for abstraction, though it makes sense. It does require a clear goal or focus to ensure the most relevant details and information remains.

The example of decomposition was as I expected. I was surprised that algorithmic thinking and decomposition were not paired for this assignment as they have similar elements.

It seems as though abstraction supports decomposition through removing unnecessary elements to improve processing time.

Examples - Guess Who!

jennifergillespie45 — 2024-06-19 18:36:18 UTC

Questions

jennifergillespie45 — 2024-06-19 18:36:20 UTC

For abstraction, how do we determine which details are important to include and which are safe to leave out when considering abstraction? How do you find a balance between simple and meaningful?

For decomposition, what kind of check can be done to ensure all components (if worked on in parallel) can be recombined effectively?

Definitions

jennifergillespie45 — 2024-06-19 18:36:23 UTC

Abstraction (process): The process of reducing complexity by focusing on the main idea. By hiding details irrelevant to the question at hand and bringing together related and useful details, abstraction reduces complexity and allows one to focus on the problem.

decompose (v): To break down into components. decomposition (n): The act of breaking down a problem or system into components. [MDESE, 2016]