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Interface Segregation Principle


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Interface Segregation Principle

The Interface Segregation Principle (ISP) is a software design principle that emphasizes the importance of keeping software interfaces as small and specific as possible. It is a fundamental principle of object-oriented programming that aims to reduce the complexity of software systems by breaking down large interfaces into smaller, more specific ones. The principle states that no client should be forced to depend on methods it does not use. Instead, interfaces should be designed to cater to specific clients, allowing them to use only the methods they need. This approach helps to reduce the coupling between different components of a system, making it easier to maintain and modify. The ISP is closely related to other software design principles such as the Single Responsibility Principle (SRP) and the Dependency Inversion Principle (DIP). The SRP states that a class should have only one reason to change, while the DIP states that high-level modules should not depend on low-level modules, but both should depend on abstractions. Together, these principles help to create software systems that are modular, flexible, and easy to maintain. The ISP is particularly important in large software systems where changes to one component can have a significant impact on other components. By breaking down large interfaces into smaller ones, developers can more easily identify which components are responsible for specific tasks. This makes it easier to modify and maintain the system as a whole, without affecting other components. In summary, the Interface Segregation Principle is a fundamental principle of software design that emphasizes the importance of keeping software interfaces as small and specific as possible. It helps to reduce the complexity of software systems by breaking down large interfaces into smaller, more specific ones. By doing so, it reduces coupling between different components, making it easier to maintain and modify the system as a whole.

software design, object-oriented programming, coupling, modularity, maintainability

Daniel King

CITATION : "Daniel King. 'Interface Segregation Principle.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=288131 (Accessed on November 21, 2024)"

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Interface Segregation Principle

The Interface Segregation Principle is a fundamental rule of software-oriented architecture that states that clients should not be forced to implement interfaces they do not use. The principle states that it is better to break down a large interface into smaller and more specific ones so that clients will only have to know about the methods they actually use. This allows for greater flexibility as clients are not forced to implement unused methods, and reduces the complexity of the interface. It also makes software more extensible and maintainable as it reduces the amount of code to be tested and maintained.

Interface Segregation Principle, ISP, Software Design, Modularization, Loose Coupling.

Charles Windsor

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Interface Segregation Principle

The Interface Segregation Principle is a software engineering principle that encourages designers to keep their software interfaces as small and separate as possible. The idea is that each interface should serve one specific client, such as a user or a program, thus optimizing the system as a whole. This approach helps to reduce complexity and also makes it easier to maintain the system in case changes need to be made. By segregating the interfaces, developers can more easily identify which components are responsible for particular tasks.

Software engineering, API design, SOLID principles, abstraction, modularity.

Lauren Moore


Interface Segregation Principle Definition
Interface Segregation Principle on Design+Encyclopedia

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