Architecture & DesignIntermediate
Decoupling
Pronunciationdee-KUP-ling
Definition
Decoupling is the architectural practice of reducing dependencies between software components. It allows parts of a system to function and evolve independently without needing to know the internal details of other parts.
Where you hear it
In system design discussions, architectural reviews, and when planning migrations from monolithic systems to microservices.
Examples
We are decoupling the payment service from the order processing service using a message queue.
Decoupling the frontend from the backend allows teams to deploy updates independently.
Common mistake
Engineers often think decoupling means removing all connections between components, but it actually means managing those connections so they are loose and flexible rather than tightly coupled.
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