Beginning C# 2008 Objects: From Concept to Code

2.3. Reuse of Abstractions

When learning about something new, we automatically search our mental archive for other abstractions/models that we've previously built and mastered to look for similarities that we can build upon. When learning to ride a two-wheeled bicycle for the first time, for example, you may have drawn upon lessons that you learned about riding a tricycle as a child (see Figure 2-7). Both have handlebars that are used to steer; both have pedals that are used to propel the bike forward. Although the abstractions didn't match perfectly—a two-wheeled bicycle introduced the new challenge of having to balance oneself—there was enough of a similarity to allow you to draw upon the steering and pedaling expertise you already had mastered ...