Data Science: Abstraction (Definitions)

"A broad and general term indicating (1) a less detailed model that conforms to (defines a subset of the properties of) another model, and (2) the process through which a less detailed but conforming model is made, that is, the process of removing details that are not relevant to the purpose of the model." (Anneke Kleppe et al, "MDA Explained: The Model Driven Architecture™: Practice and Promise", 2003)

"The process of ignoring or suppressing levels of detail to provide a simpler, more generalized view." (Sharon Allen & Evan Terry, "Beginning Relational Data Modeling" 2nd Ed., 2005)

"The process of moving from the specific to the general by neglecting minor differences or stressing common elements. Also used as a synonym for summarization." (Martin J Eppler, "Managing Information Quality" 2nd Ed., 2006)

"Data abstraction means the storage details of the data are hidden from the user and the user is provided with the conceptual view of the database." (S. Sumathi & S. Esakkirajan, "Fundamentals of Relational Database Management Systems", 2007)

"In data modeling, the redefinition of data entities, attributes, and relationships by removing details to broaden the applicability of data structures to a wider class of situations, often by implementing supertypes rather than subtypes." (DAMA International, "The DAMA Dictionary of Data Management" 1st Ed., 2010)

[horizontal abstraction:] "The process of partitioning a model into smaller subparts for presentation. Used in data modeling to show related areas in a more readable scale." (DAMA International, "The DAMA Dictionary of Data Management", 2011)

[vertical abstraction:] "The presentation of all or part of a model detail. Used in data modeling to show higher levels of entities and relationships to illustrate the basic subject area contents." (DAMA International, "The DAMA Dictionary of Data Management", 2011)

"The separation of the logical view of data from its implementation." (Nell Dale & John Lewis, "Computer Science Illuminated" 6th Ed., 2015)

"The separation of a data type’s logical properties from its implementation." (Nell Dale et al, "Object-Oriented Data Structures Using Java" 4th Ed., 2016)