 - Loose coupling is a method of interconnecting the components in a system or network so that those components, also called elements, depend on each other to the least extent practicable. Loose coupling simplifies testing, maintenance and troubleshooting procedures because problems are easy to isolate and unlikely to spread or propagate.
The extent or "tightness" to which the components in a system are coupled is a relative, qualitative notion. A loosely coupled system can be easily broken down into definable elements. The extent of coupling in a system can be informally measured by noting the maximum number of element changes that can occur without adverse effects. Examples of such changes are adding elements, removing elements, renaming elements, reconfiguring elements, modifying internal element characteristics and rearranging the way in which elements are interconnected.
Loose coupling minimizes unwanted interaction among system elements. However, loose coupling can also give rise to difficulty in maintaining synchronization among diverse components within a system when such interaction is desired. In some systems, a high degree of element interdependence is necessary for proper functionality. An example is the interconnection of alternating current (AC) utility power sources in the utility grid. The current from each source must be kept precisely in phase with the current from all the other sources. Otherwise, the sources will "buck" each other causing inefficiency, possible component damage or even catastrophic system failure.
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30 Jun 2007
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