Program Complexity Analysis Questions Medium
Coupling and cohesion are two important concepts in program complexity analysis that help in understanding the structure and complexity of a program.
Coupling refers to the degree of interdependence between different modules or components within a program. It measures how closely one module is connected to another module. In other words, it determines the level of interaction and reliance between different parts of a program. There are different types of coupling, such as data coupling, control coupling, and common coupling.
Data coupling occurs when modules share data through parameters or global variables. Control coupling happens when one module controls the execution of another module by passing control information. Common coupling occurs when multiple modules share a global data object. The higher the coupling between modules, the more complex the program becomes, as changes in one module may have a significant impact on other modules.
On the other hand, cohesion refers to the degree to which the elements within a module are related and work together to perform a single, well-defined task. It measures how closely the responsibilities and functionalities within a module are related. High cohesion indicates that a module has a clear and focused purpose, with all its elements working towards achieving that purpose. There are different levels of cohesion, such as functional cohesion, sequential cohesion, and communicational cohesion.
Functional cohesion occurs when all elements within a module contribute to a single, well-defined function. Sequential cohesion happens when elements are arranged in a specific order, with the output of one element being the input of the next. Communicational cohesion occurs when elements within a module share data without being directly related to a single function. Modules with high cohesion are easier to understand, maintain, and modify, as they have a clear and specific purpose.
In program complexity analysis, the goal is to minimize coupling and maximize cohesion. Low coupling and high cohesion indicate a well-structured and modular program, which is easier to understand, test, and maintain. By analyzing the coupling and cohesion of a program, developers can identify areas that need improvement and make necessary changes to enhance the program's overall complexity and maintainability.