In computing, an abstraction layer or abstraction level is a way of hiding the working details of a subsystem. Examples of software models that use layers of abstraction include the OSI model for network protocols, OpenGL, and other graphics libraries, which allow the separation of concerns to facilitate interoperability and platform independence. Another example is Media Transfer Protocol and AWS CDK.
In computer science, an abstraction layer is a generalization of a conceptual model or algorithm, away from any specific implementation. These generalizations arise from broad similarities that are best encapsulated by models that express similarities present in various specific implementations. The simplification provided by a good abstraction layer allows for easy reuse by distilling a useful concept or design pattern so that situations, where it may be accurately applied, can be quickly recognized.
A layer is considered to be on top of another if it depends on it. Every layer can exist without the layers above it, and requires the layers below it to function. Frequently abstraction layers can be composed into a hierarchy of abstraction levels. The OSI model comprises seven abstraction layers. Each layer of the model encapsulates and addresses a different part of the needs of digital communications, thereby reducing the complexity of the associated engineering solutions.
A famous aphorism of David Wheeler is, "All problems in computer science can be solved by another level of indirection."[1] This is often deliberately misquoted with "abstraction" substituted for "indirection."[citation needed] It is also sometimes misattributed to Butler Lampson. Kevlin Henney's corollary to this is, "...except for the problem of too many layers of indirection."[2]
Gregor Hohpe, author of Enterprise Integration Patterns, argues that just composing some lower-level elements into a construct doesn't count as an abstraction layer because you still have to deal with its underlying complexity. He specifically mentions AWS CDK constructs as an example. In his view, good abstractions take into account common needs and encode them in an abstract language. [3]
^Spinellis, Diomidis (2007). "Chapter 17. Another Level of Indirection". Beautiful Code: Leading Programmers Explain How They Think. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly and Associates. pp. 279–291. Archived from the original on Mar 6, 2024.
^Henney, Kevlin [@kevlinhenney] (September 3, 2012). "@drunkcod Yes, that's my corollary :^)" (Tweet). Archived from the original on Mar 29, 2022 – via Twitter.
^Hohpe, Gregor (2022-09-22). "Good abstractions are obvious but difficult to find, even in the cloud". The Architect Elevator. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
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