Exam-style question
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Explain the difference between a cohesive module and a loosely coupled module. Give one reason why each characteristic improves the design of a program.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- A cohesive module does just one thing.
- A loosely coupled module interacts with other parts of the program through its interface only.
- Cohesion gives each module a clear, focused purpose, while loose coupling limits the connections between modules and keeps their internal code separate from the rest of the program.
Explanation
Why this works
The answer must distinguish the two characteristics rather than treating them as synonyms. Cohesion concerns the single purpose of a module; loose coupling concerns how the module communicates with other parts of the program.
These characteristics support modularisation by making the structure and interactions of the program clearer.
Common mistake
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