Which of the following definitions best describes "abstraction"?

Abstraction refers to the process of simplifying complex systems by highlighting the essential features while ignoring unnecessary details. This allows users or developers to interact with complex systems in a more manageable way, making it easier to understand and work with higher-level concepts without needing to grasp all the intricacies of the underlying mechanisms. By focusing only on the relevant aspects, abstraction helps streamline processes, enhances productivity, and enables problem-solving at a higher level.

In programming, for example, abstraction can be found in functions and classes, where specific behaviors are encapsulated without exposing the developer to the complexities of how those behaviors are implemented. This practice not only leads to cleaner code but also improves maintainability and collaboration among developers.

The other choices describe concepts that do not align with the definition of abstraction. A complex task that is difficult to understand does not focus on simplification but rather highlights complexity. Detailed instructions in coding refer to the opposite of abstraction, where the intricate details are necessary for operation. A layer of security pertains to safeguarding data and systems, which does not inherently relate to simplifying or summarizing complexity.