What are coupling and cohesion in software design?

Can you explain what coupling and cohesion mean in software design?

Sure! Coupling refers to how closely connected different modules or components are, while cohesion refers to how closely related the functions within a single module are.

Can you give me examples of high and low coupling?

High coupling occurs when modules depend heavily on each other, like a tightly integrated system. Low coupling is when modules are independent, such as using APIs to communicate.

What about cohesion? What does high and low cohesion look like?

High cohesion means that the functions within a module are closely related, like a utility class that handles all string operations. Low cohesion would be a module that handles unrelated tasks, making it harder to maintain.

Why are coupling and cohesion important in software development?

They are crucial for maintainability and scalability. Low coupling and high cohesion lead to systems that are easier to understand, test, and modify.