What does "abstraction" refer to in object-oriented programming?

In object-oriented programming, "abstraction" refers to the concept of providing a simplified interface to complex systems. This allows programmers to work with objects without needing to understand the detailed complexities of their underlying implementation. By abstracting these complexities, developers can focus on high-level operations and interactions, improving both usability and code organization.

For instance, in the context of a car class, abstraction allows a programmer to interact with the car through simple methods like 'drive()' or 'stop()' without needing to know the intricate mechanical details of how the car operates internally. This principle helps in managing software systems, making them easier to develop, maintain, and use.

The other options represent different concepts in programming rather than abstraction. For example, using loops pertains to control flow, error handling relates to managing exceptions or errors, and strict typing is about defining the data types of variables, which doesn't involve simplifying complex systems.