Dimensions

Every case of connascence can be measured over three dimensions: degree, locality, and strength.

Degree

Degree is the size of the impact as estimated by the number of occurrences and the number of entities it affects. The acceptability of connascence is strongly related to its degree: the higher the degree, the higher the pain when a modification is needed. We should aim to have the minimal possible degree.

Locality

Locality is the closeness of the affected entities with respect to each other in terms of abstraction. The closer the better and the more acceptable (leading to cohesion). On the other end, connascence of entities that are very far apart from each other is often an indication of design or architectural pitfalls. We should try to keep the connascent elements as close as possible. If you remember the Law of Demeter, it is meant to limit the distance of method calls, hence acting on the locality.

Strength

Strength is the likelihood that connascence...