Abstraction is a concept in object-oriented programming (OOP) that hides the complex implementation details of a system and exposes only the essential features or functionalities to the user. The goal of abstraction is to simplify interaction with complex systems by providing a clear interface and allowing users to interact with objects at a higher level without needing to understand their internal workings.

Definition: Abstraction is the process of hiding the complex implementation details of a system and exposing only the essential parts of it. In programming, it is often achieved through abstract classes or interfaces.

For example, when using a smartphone, you don’t need to understand the intricate details of how the hardware operates or how the operating system manages processes; you only need to interact with the user interface. Similarly, in OOP, you can create abstract classes or interfaces that define a set of methods or behaviors without implementing the specific details, allowing subclasses to provide their own implementation.

from abc import ABC, abstractmethod

class Shape(ABC):
    @abstractmethod
    def area(self):
        pass

class Circle(Shape):
    def area(self):
        return 3.14 * radius * radius

Abstraction helps reduce complexity, improves code organization, and promotes reusability. By focusing on the essential characteristics of an object and abstracting away unnecessary details, developers can create systems that are easier to use, extend, and maintain.