Loose Coupling vs Tight Coupling in Java: Difference Between Loose Coupling & Tight Coupling

In this article, I aim to provide a profound understanding of coupling in Java, shedding light on its various types through real-world examples, including the critical distinction between Loose Coupling vs Tight Coupling in Java. As someone who has explored the intricacies of object-oriented programming in Java, I’m thrilled to share insights that can guide fellow professionals aspiring to venture into this dynamic field. So, let’s embark on this journey together and unravel the nuances of coupling in the fascinating world of the Java language.

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What is Coupling in Java?

Coupling is nothing but the dependency of one class on the other. If one object in a code uses the other object in the program, it is called loose coupling in Java. In coupling, two classes or objects collaborate and work with each other to complete a pre-defined task. It simply means that one element requires another element to complete a function. It is known as collaboration when one class calls the logic of the other class.

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What are the Types of Coupling?

Coupling in Java is of two types.

1) Loose Coupling in Java

“What is loose coupling in Java?” Loose coupling in Java refers to a scenario where two classes, modules, or components have minimal dependencies on each other. It signifies that these classes are independent, with one class knowing only what the other exposes through its interfaces. In Java, loose coupling ensures that objects can be used externally when needed, promoting flexibility and easier maintenance in software development.

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Here, the parent object is rarely using the object, and the object can be easily changed from external sources. Loose coupling is generally considered best because it promotes flexibility, scalability, and easier maintenance by reducing dependencies between components, allowing for independent development and modification without impacting other parts of the system.

Example 1: Imagine you have created two classes, A and B, in your program. Class A is called volume, and class B evaluates the volume of a cylinder. If you change class A volume, then you are not forced to change class B. This is called loose coupling in Java. When class A requires changes in class B, then you have tight coupling.

Code

package loosecoupling;
 class Volume {
   public static void main(String args[]) {
        Cylinder b = new Cylinder(25, 25, 25);
           System.out.println(b.getVolume());
   }
}
final class Cylinder {
    private int volume;
    Cylinder(int length, int width, int height) {
             this.volume = length * width * height;
    }
    public int getVolume() {
             return volume;
    }
}

Explanation: In the above example, class A and class B are loosely coupled.

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Example 2

import java.io.IOException;
interface Food {
   public void display();
}
class Italian {
  Food s;
   public Italian(Food s){
   this.s = s;
   }
   public void display(){
      System.out.println("Italian");
      s.display();
   }
}
class Chinese implements Food {
   public Chinese(){}
   public void display(){
      System.out.println("Chinese");
   }
}
class Mexican implements Food {
   public Mexican(){}
   public void display(){
      System.out.println("Mexican");
   }
}
public class Test {
   public static void main(String args[]) throws IOException {
   Food b = new Chinese();
   Food c = new Mexican();
   Italian a = new Italian(b);
      //a.display() will print Italian and Chinese
      a.display();
   Italian a1 = new Italian(c);
      //a.display() will print Italian and Mexican
      a1.display();
   }
}

Output

Explanation: In the above example, all three classes are loosely coupled. It simply means that you can use the food interface to provide services by injecting any of the implemented services.

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Tight Coupling

When two classes are highly dependent on each other, it is called tight coupling. It occurs when a class takes too many responsibilities or where a change in one class requires changes in the other class. In tight coupling, an object (parent object) creates another object (child object) for its usage. If the parent object knows more about how the child object was implemented, we can say that the parent and child object are tightly coupled.

Example: Imagine you have created two classes A and B, in your program. Class A is called volume, and class B evaluates the volume of a cylinder. If you make any changes in the volume, then the same changes will reflect in class B. Hence, we can say both the classes are highly dependent on each other and are tightly coupled.

Code

package tightcoupling;

class Volume {
   public static void main(String args[]) {
        Cylinder b = new Cylinder(15, 15, 15);
           System.out.println(b.volume);
   }}
 class Cylinder {
   public int volume;
   Cylinder(int length, int width, int height) {
           this.volume = length * width * height;  }}

Output

3375

Explanation: In the above example, class A and class B are bound together and work with each other as a team. 

Loose coupling vs tight coupling in Java example refers to how classes or modules in Java interact. Loose coupling allows classes to interact through interfaces or abstract contracts, promoting flexibility and independent development. Tight coupling occurs when classes directly reference each other’s concrete implementations, increasing dependencies and making the code harder to change or maintain.

Differences Between Loose Coupling and Tight Coupling

The following table lists the differences between loose coupling and tight coupling.

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Conclusion

In simple terms, choosing loose coupling over tight coupling in Java programming is a wise move. It brings significant advantages like flexibility, easier code reuse, and smooth change adaptability. With independent classes, modifying the code becomes a straightforward process, making testing more efficient. 

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