Why is abstraction important in computer science?

Abstraction is crucial in computer science because it allows individuals to simplify complex systems and focus on the essential characteristics without getting bogged down by intricate details. When programmers and computer scientists create models or representations of complex entities, they use abstraction to highlight important features while hiding unnecessary complexity. This not only makes it easier to understand and work with these systems but also facilitates communication between different levels of system design, allowing for collaboration and reuse of components.

By defining interfaces or abstract classes, developers can work on higher-level functionalities without needing to understand the underlying implementation details. This leads to greater efficiency in development as well as easier maintenance and updates to systems since changes can be made to the underlying details without impacting the overall functionality. Thus, abstraction is a foundational concept that promotes clarity, reusability, and efficiency in programming and system design.