What does a strong dependency indicate in architecture design?

A strong dependency in architecture design indicates that different components or modules of a system are heavily reliant on each other to function effectively. This level of interdependence can lead to rigid and inflexible systems for several reasons.

When components are tightly coupled, changes in one part of the system can necessitate changes in others. This makes it challenging to adapt to new requirements, modify functionalities, or replace components without affecting the entire system. As a result, the overall system becomes harder to maintain and evolve over time. A strong dependency creates a scenario where developers must navigate complex interrelations, which can slow down development efforts and increase the risk of introducing errors when modifications are made.

In a well-designed architecture, aiming for loose coupling is typically preferred, as it enhances flexibility and maintainability, making future adaptations and integrations much easier to achieve. Thus, the correct understanding of a strong dependency directly points to its disadvantage of promoting rigidity within an architecture design.