Abstraction vs. Encapsulation: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 20, 2023
Abstraction hides the complex reality while showing the essential features, while encapsulation bundles the data and methods that operate on the data.
Difference Between Abstraction and Encapsulation
In the realm of object-oriented programming (OOP), abstraction and encapsulation are fundamental concepts, albeit distinct in their nature and purpose. Abstraction is primarily about simplifying complex reality by focusing on relevant details, allowing developers to build layers in a way that each layer hides unnecessary details from the layers above. In simpler words, abstraction is the concept of hiding the complex reality and showing only the necessary features of an object, thereby reducing complexity.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Encapsulation, conversely, is the bundling of data (attributes) with the methods (functions) that operate on that data. It restricts direct access to an object’s data, and can prevent the accidental modification of data. Encapsulation works as a protective shield that prevents the data from being accessed and modified by outside functions, making it a mechanism to impose data hiding and protection.
Muazma Batool
Nov 20, 2023
Both abstraction and encapsulation are cornerstone concepts in OOP, aiming to achieve modularity and clarity in code. While abstraction offers a clear hierarchy and promotes the reuse of code by focusing on the generalized view of things, encapsulation ensures that an object's internal workings are shielded from outside interference, upholding the integrity of the data.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
A major difference in their applications is evident in their goals: abstraction aims to reduce and manage complexity by isolating unrelated details, whereas encapsulation aims to ensure data integrity by restricting access. This is akin to understanding a machine: abstraction would let you know its functions without knowing its internal complexities, and encapsulation would ensure that its internal parts aren't easily tampered with.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
In essence, while both abstraction and encapsulation deal with hiding details, they do so with different intents. Abstraction hides details to manage complexity, whereas encapsulation hides details to protect the integrity of data.
Jonathan
Nov 20, 2023
Abstraction vs. Encapsulation Comparison Chart
Definition
Hiding complex details and showing essential features
Bundling data with methods and restricting direct access
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Application
Layers and hierarchy in software design
Data and method bundling in classes
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Abstraction vs. Encapsulation Definitions
◉Abstraction
Isolating and highlighting essential aspects while omitting non-essential details.
The software interface offers abstraction, hiding the backend processing.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Encapsulation
Bundling of data and methods that operate on the data within a single unit.
The class provides encapsulation of its attributes and methods.
William
Sep 25, 2023
◉Abstraction
The act of abstracting or the state of having been abstracted.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Encapsulation
A mechanism in OOP for data hiding and protection.
Encapsulation in the code prevents data breaches.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
◉Encapsulation
A principle that binds together code and the data it manipulates.
Encapsulation in the capsule design ensures medicine is delivered safely to the body.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Encapsulation
Protective shielding to uphold data integrity.
With encapsulation, data remains safe from unintended external modifications.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Encapsulation
To express in a brief summary; epitomize
headlines that encapsulate the news.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
The act of abstracting, separating, withdrawing, or taking away; withdrawal; the state of being taken away.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
(euphemistic) The taking surreptitiously for one's own use part of the property of another; purloining.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Encapsulation
The act of enclosing in a capsule; the growth of a membrane around (any part) so as to enclose it in a capsule.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
(engineering) Removal of water from a river, lake, or aquifer.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Encapsulation
Grouping together an object’s ‘state’ (its data) and the operations that may alter or interrogate it (its methods).
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
A separation from worldly objects; a recluse life; the withdrawal from one's senses.
a hermit's abstraction
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Encapsulation
(networking) The process of arranging data into packets that can be transmitted using a given protocol.
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◉Abstraction
The act of focusing on one characteristic of an object rather than the object as a whole group of characteristics; the act of separating said qualities from the object or ideas.
Abstraction is necessary for the classification of things into genera and species.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Encapsulation
The act of inclosing in a capsule; the growth of a membrane around (any part) so as to inclose it in a capsule.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
Any characteristic of an individual object when that characteristic has been separated from the object and is contemplated alone as a quality having independent existence.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Encapsulation
the condition of being enclosed (as in a capsule);
the encapsulation of tendons in membranous sheaths
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
A member of an idealized subgroup when contemplated according to the abstracted quality which defines the subgroup.
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◉Abstraction
The act of comparing commonality between distinct objects and organizing using those similarities; the act of generalizing characteristics; the product of said generalization.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Encapsulation
Restricting direct access to an object's internal details.
Encapsulation ensures only authorized functions modify the object's data.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Abstraction
An idea or notion of an abstract or theoretical nature.
to fight for mere abstractions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
Absence or absorption of mind; inattention to present objects; preoccupation.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
(art) An abstract creation, or piece of art; qualities of artwork that are free from representational aspects.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
(chemistry) A separation of volatile parts by the act of distillation.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
The result of mentally abstracting an idea; the product of any mental process involving a synthesis of: separation, despecification, generalization, and ideation in any of a number of combinations.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
(geology) The merging of two river valleys by the larger of the two deepening and widening so much so, as to assimilate the smaller.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
(computing) Any generalization technique that ignores or hides details to capture some kind of commonality between different instances for the purpose of controlling the intellectual complexity of engineered systems, particularly software systems.
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
(computing) Any intellectual construct produced through the technique of abstraction.
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◉Abstraction
The act of abstracting, separating, or withdrawing, or the state of being withdrawn; withdrawal.
A wrongful abstraction of wealth from certain members of the community.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
The act process of leaving out of consideration one or more properties of a complex object so as to attend to others; analysis. Thus, when the mind considers the form of a tree by itself, or the color of the leaves as separate from their size or figure, the act is called abstraction. So, also, when it considers whiteness, softness, virtue, existence, as separate from any particular objects.
Abstraction is no positive act: it is simply the negative of attention.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
An idea or notion of an abstract, or theoretical nature; as, to fight for mere abstractions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
A separation from worldly objects; a recluse life; as, a hermit's abstraction.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
Absence or absorption of mind; inattention to present objects.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
The taking surreptitiously for one's own use part of the property of another; purloining.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
a concept or idea not associated with any specific instance;
he loved her only in the abstract--not in person
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
the process of formulating general concepts by abstracting common properties of instances
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
a general concept formed by extracting common features from specific examples
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Sep 24, 2023
◉Abstraction
The act of simplifying complex details, focusing on high-level functionalities.
The car's dashboard is an abstraction of its complex mechanical workings.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
◉Abstraction
A conceptual representation, devoid of intricate specifics.
Maps provide an abstraction of geographical terrains.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Abstraction
A generalized view of objects, stripped of complexities.
The painting provides an abstraction of the landscape's beauty.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Abstraction
A method to manage and reduce complexity in design.
Programming frameworks use abstraction to ease development processes.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
Abstraction vs. Encapsulation Frequently Asked Questions
Why is encapsulation considered a fundamental OOP principle?
Encapsulation promotes data integrity by preventing unauthorized access and modifications.
Levi
Nov 20, 2023
Can abstraction be seen in everyday objects?
Yes, everyday tools like remote controls offer an abstraction of complex electronic functionalities.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
What does abstraction focus on in OOP?
Abstraction emphasizes hiding complex details while showing the essential features.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
How does abstraction aid software development?
Abstraction reduces complexity by providing a generalized view, making development and maintenance easier.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Why is data protection important in encapsulation?
Protecting data prevents unintended or malicious modifications, ensuring software reliability and security.
Elijah
Nov 20, 2023
How does encapsulation ensure data protection?
Encapsulation bundles data with methods and restricts direct external access, safeguarding data integrity.
Muazma Batool
Nov 20, 2023
Is abstraction about hiding or removing details?
Abstraction is about hiding complex details, not removing them, to offer a clearer view.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Can a class in OOP represent both abstraction and encapsulation?
Yes, a class can abstract details for users while encapsulating data and methods internally.
Levi
Nov 20, 2023
Is encapsulation specific to object-oriented programming?
While it's a core OOP principle, the idea of encapsulating data can be seen in other paradigms too.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Do abstraction and encapsulation work together in software design?
Yes, they often collaborate: abstraction simplifies design, and encapsulation ensures data protection.
Kaitlyn
Nov 20, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
