What does abstraction in programming aim to achieve?

Abstraction in programming aims to filter out unnecessary detail, allowing developers to focus on the high-level functionality of a program rather than its intricate implementation. This concept is fundamental in managing the complexity of software systems. By abstracting away the lower-level details, programmers can utilize simpler representations or models that make it easier to interact with complex systems without needing to understand every underlying component. This not only simplifies the coding process but also enhances code readability and maintainability, as programmers can work with simplified interfaces or principles to solve problems rather than getting bogged down by every technical detail. Abstraction is commonly seen in practices such as using functions, classes, and modules to encapsulate behaviors and data, thus empowering developers to think at a higher conceptual level.