SOFTWARE DESIGN

PRINCIPLES
-M.POONGOTHAI
1. Software Design Concepts
These are core theoretical ideas or foundational constructs that influence how software is structured.
They help in thinking about software design.
Examples include:
•Abstraction
•Refinement
•Modularity
•Information hiding
•Software architecture
•Control hierarchy
•Data abstraction
•Structural partitioning
•Functional independence
👉 These help you model and design the software system.
Software Design Principles
These are best practices or guidelines that help you apply the concepts effectively.
They tell you how to write good code and design better software.
Examples include:
1.Separation of concerns
2.DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself)
3.KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
4.Single Responsibility Principle
5.Open/Closed Principle
6.High Cohesion and Low Coupling
7.Encapsulation
8.Abstraction (as a principle too)
•Both are essential.
•Concepts help you design the system architecture.
•Principles help you refine and improve the design and implementation.
Introduction to Software Design Principles
Software design principles are fundamental guidelines that help developers and architects create software that is
robust, maintainable, scalable, and efficient. These principles are not strict rules but rather best practices that evolve
with experience, enabling professionals to manage complexity, reduce errors, and ensure the system can adapt to
future needs. By adhering to these principles, we enhance not only the quality of the code but also the overall
development process.
Principle of Modularity
Modularity is the concept of breaking down a software system into smaller, self-contained components or modules.
Each module is responsible for a specific part of the system’s functionality and operates independently. This
separation of concerns makes the system easier to understand, test, debug, and maintain. Modularity also allows for
reuse of components across different parts of the software or even in different projects, promoting efficiency in
development.
Abstraction Principle
Abstraction involves hiding complex implementation details and exposing only the necessary aspects of a module or
class. It allows developers to interact with objects or modules without needing to understand the intricate internal
workings. This principle simplifies development by reducing cognitive load, and it supports modularity by allowing
components to be built independently with clear interfaces. Effective abstraction leads to cleaner, more readable
code and easier maintenance.
Principle of Encapsulation
Encapsulation refers to the bundling of data and the methods that operate on that data within a single unit, such as
a class in object-oriented programming. It restricts direct access to some of the object's components, which helps
prevent the accidental modification of data. Encapsulation enhances security, maintains control over the internal
state, and supports modularity by keeping the internal workings of modules private.
DRY – Don’t Repeat Yourself
The DRY principle encourages the reduction of code duplication. Repeating code in multiple places increases the
chances of errors and makes maintenance harder. If the same logic exists in several locations, updating one area but
forgetting the others could introduce bugs. By abstracting common logic into reusable components or functions, the
codebase remains clean, consistent, and easy to update.
KISS – Keep It Simple, Stupid
The KISS principle emphasizes simplicity in design and coding. Complex systems are more prone to bugs and are
harder to test, maintain, and understand. By striving for simplicity, developers make their code more accessible and
manageable. This doesn’t mean sacrificing functionality but rather implementing it in the most straightforward way
possible.
Principle of High Cohesion
High cohesion refers to the degree to which the elements of a module belong together. A highly cohesive module
performs a single, well-defined task and contains all the necessary functions for that task. This results in better
maintainability, readability, and reusability. When cohesion is high, changes in requirements affect fewer modules,
which reduces the risk of unintended side effects.
Principle of Low Coupling
Low coupling means that modules or components are minimally dependent on each other. A well-designed system
ensures that changes in one module have little to no impact on others. Low coupling enhances modularity, allowing
modules to be reused and tested independently. It also facilitates easier debugging and allows teams to work in
parallel without frequent integration issues.
Open/Closed Principle
This principle states that software entities should be open for extension but closed for modification. In practice, it
means that developers should be able to add new functionality to a system without changing existing code. This is
often achieved through interfaces, inheritance, and polymorphism. The goal is to minimize the risk of introducing
bugs when requirements change or expand.
Single Responsibility Principle
A class or module should have only one reason to change, meaning it should perform a single task or responsibility. If
a class handles multiple responsibilities, any change in one responsibility could affect or break the others. Following
this principle leads to smaller, more focused components that are easier to maintain and test.
Summary and Importance
Software design principles act as guiding lights during the development process. By following these principles,
software becomes more adaptable, maintainable, and scalable. They support teamwork, reduce costs over time, and
lead to a more structured and professional software development environment. Ignoring these principles may lead to
technical debt and systems that are difficult to modify or expand in the future.