Decoupled Simulation
Decoupled simulation is a software design and simulation methodology where components or subsystems are developed and tested independently, often using stubs or mock objects to simulate interactions. It separates the simulation logic from the actual system dependencies, allowing for isolated testing and development. This approach is commonly used in complex systems like distributed computing, robotics, and game development to improve modularity and reduce integration risks.
Developers should use decoupled simulation when building large-scale or distributed systems where testing integrated components is difficult or costly, such as in microservices architectures or real-time simulations. It enables parallel development by allowing teams to work on isolated modules without waiting for dependent systems to be ready. This methodology is particularly valuable for debugging, performance testing, and ensuring system reliability in environments with high complexity or external dependencies.