What is the ideal state of coupling in module design?

In module design, the ideal state is characterized by lower coupling. Low coupling refers to a design where modules or components are independent of one another, minimizing the dependencies between them. This is significant because it enhances modularity, making the system easier to understand, maintain, and test. When modules are loosely coupled, changes in one module are less likely to require changes in another, which leads to improved flexibility and the ability to manage modifications without significant risk of introducing errors into other parts of the system.

Complementing this concept is the idea that lower coupling contributes to higher cohesion within individual modules. Cohesion refers to how closely related and focused the responsibilities of a single module are, and when a module has high cohesion with low coupling to others, its functionality becomes clearer and more manageable.

In contrast, higher coupling creates a tightly integrated design, where modules depend heavily on each other. This can lead to difficulties in testing and maintaining the system, as changes in one module often propagate unexpectedly to others. Therefore, striving for lower coupling is a critical principle in software design to promote robust, maintainable, and scalable systems.