Abstraction is really important in making code easier to read and manage in object-oriented programming (OOP). It helps developers take complicated parts of a system and turn them into simpler pieces. This way, they can focus on the big picture instead of getting lost in all the tiny details. This is key to handling the complexity that comes with larger sets of code.

Let's look at an example with a Vehicle class. Instead of describing every little detail for every type of vehicle, like Car, Truck, or Motorcycle, the Vehicle class acts as a general idea. Developers can create actions like start(), stop(), and accelerate() for vehicles without worrying about how each type actually works. This makes the code cleaner and much easier to understand.

Abstraction also gives developers more flexibility. When you program using a general structure instead of a specific one, you can change a class without messing up everything else. For instance, if a new kind of vehicle is added, only that new class needs to follow the main rules, while the rest of the code using the Vehicle class stays the same.

When it comes to maintenance, abstraction simplifies updates, too. Developers can look at and change the higher-level parts instead of sorting through complicated lines of code. This helps save time and lowers the chances of making mistakes.

In conclusion, abstraction is a key part of OOP because it helps with readability and maintenance. By breaking down complex systems, promoting code reuse, and making updates easier, it is an important foundation for strong software design.