Exam-style question
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An object contains several details. Some describe what the object essentially is, while others are additional details that do not affect its essential characteristics. Describe how information hiding should be applied and explain why deciding whether a detail is essential is important.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The object should be examined to identify its essential characteristics.
- Those characteristics should remain available as the important description of the object.
- Any additional details that do not contribute to those essential characteristics should be hidden.
- Deciding whether a detail is essential is important because information hiding is based on retaining what is necessary while concealing what is not necessary; hiding an essential characteristic would fail to represent the object accurately.
Explanation
Why this works
The answer should explain the selection of essential characteristics, the hiding of non-essential details, and the consequence of incorrectly hiding an essential characteristic.
Common mistake
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