What is Stamp Coupling (Module Coupling Degree)? – Software Engineering Terminology
Stamp coupling, also known as module coupling degree, is a measure of the interdependence between modules in software engineering. It represents the degree to which one module relies on the internal details of another module.
In software development, modules are self-contained units that perform specific functions and can be independently modified and maintained. Stamp coupling measures the extent to which these modules are connected and reliant on each other.
Stamp coupling is primarily concerned with the flow of information and dependencies between modules. It quantifies the coupling between modules by counting the number of times information from one module is referenced by another module. The more references between modules, the higher the degree of stamp coupling.
High stamp coupling implies a strong interdependency between modules, meaning that changes in one module would have a significant impact on other modules. This can lead to software that is difficult to modify, maintain, and test, as changes must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences.
On the other hand, low stamp coupling indicates that modules are more independent and have minimal reliance on each other. This promotes modularization, modifiability, and testability of software systems.
Stamp coupling is considered a negative quality attribute in software engineering, as it increases the complexity of maintenance and can hinder software evolution. Therefore, it is advisable to design software systems with low stamp coupling, promoting loose coupling and high cohesion between modules.
Reducing stamp coupling can be achieved through various software design principles, such as encapsulation, information hiding, and the use of interfaces. By decoupling modules and minimizing the dependencies between them, developers can create more flexible and robust software systems.
In conclusion, stamp coupling, or module coupling degree, measures the interdependence between software modules. It quantifies the extent to which modules rely on each other’s internal details. By minimizing stamp coupling, software can be made more flexible, maintainable, and easier to test and evolve.
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