CHAPTER 8 - MODULE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Abstract

This chapter introduces cohesion as a measure of the internal strength of a module. It discusses inter-module communication, local and global variables, and the passing of parameters between modules. A module has been defined as a section of an algorithm that is dedicated to the performance of a single function. It contains a single entry and a single exit and the name chosen for the module should describe its function. There is a method that programmers can use to remove some of the guesswork when establishing modules. The programmer can look at the cohesion of the module. Cohesion is a measure of the internal strength of a module, that is, how closely the elements or statements of a module are associated with each other. The more closely the elements of a module are associated the higher the cohesion of the module. Modules with high cohesion are considered good modules, because of their internal strength.