A fundamental concept in computer science, it concerns encapsulating a sequence of instructions, or a procedure, into a named unit. This unit can then be invoked by its name, effectively hiding the underlying implementation details from the user. For instance, instead of writing out the steps to calculate the square root of a number every time it’s needed, a pre-defined function like “sqrt(x)” can be used. The internal algorithm for square root computation is hidden, and the user only needs to know how to use the function and what result to expect.
This approach offers several advantages. It simplifies code by reducing complexity and improving readability. It promotes code reusability, preventing the need to rewrite the same set of instructions repeatedly. Furthermore, it enhances maintainability; modifications to the encapsulated procedure’s internal logic do not necessarily require changes in the code that calls it, provided the interface remains consistent. Historically, the development of high-level programming languages has been intrinsically linked to the increasing adoption and sophistication of this abstraction technique.