Software Architect's Handbook

Separation of Concerns (SoC)

Concerns are the different aspects of functionality that the software system provides. Separation of Concerns (SoC) is a design principle that manages complexity by partitioning the software system so that each partition is responsible for a separate concern, minimizing the overlap of concerns as much as possible.

Following the principle involves decomposing a larger problem into smaller, more manageable concerns. SoC reduces complexity in a software system, which reduces the effort needed to make changes and improves the overall quality of the software.

When the DRY principle is followed, and logic is not repeated, a SoC is usually a natural result as long as the logic is organized properly.

SoC is a principle ...