Underlying representation

Imagine if you wanted to make a cake, but instead of just the recipe that tells you the ingredients and steps, you also wrote down all the specific measurements of each ingredient, the temperature and time for baking, and any other details about how to make the cake. That extra information is like the underlying representation of the cake recipe.

In computers, when we use programs or apps, they also have underlying representations that are like the extra information in a recipe. This information is what the computer uses to actually run the program or app. It can include things like how the program is organized, what data it needs to use, and how it communicates with other programs or the computer itself.

The underlying representation is important because it's what allows the computer to understand and execute the program correctly. Just like with a recipe, if you miss any important details or have incorrect information, the end result won't be what you expected. By having a clear and accurate underlying representation, the computer can work efficiently and produce the desired outcomes.