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Encapsulation Assumption in Layered Systems

publish date: 2026/06/23 19:43:6.333929 UTC

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Why is the assumption that changes within one layer of a legacy system will not affect adjacent layers an oversimplification?

Because each layer in a legacy system uses a different unrelated programming paradigm

Because changing one layer can introduce new facilities that higher layers are then modified to exploit, and changes can also ripple to lower layers such as hardware

Because legacy systems never actually have any layered structure at all

Because layers in legacy systems are always developed by completely unrelated companies

Correct Answer

Because changing one layer can introduce new facilities that higher layers are then modified to exploit, and changes can also ripple to lower layers such as hardware

Explanation

In practice, simple encapsulation between layers is an oversimplification. Changing one layer may introduce new facilities that higher layers are modified to take advantage of, and changes can also require new hardware, demonstrating that changes ripple in both directions, not just within a single layer.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Legacy Systems - Definition and Sociotechnical Nature