tl;dr

Atomistic Method

• Break issues down into the smallest cheap models
• Ask: What does this factor do? What are the relationships with different models?

Holistic Method

• Break issues down into the largest cheap models
• Ask: What does this unit do? What are the relationships with different models?

Mixture of Each Approaches is Often the Finest

Atomistic

These are the 2 methods of serious about one thing:

Within the Atomistic Method, you break issues down into smaller elements, attempting to clarify them and perceive their relationships with different elements. This method is broadly understood and generally used. It includes breaking issues down into the smallest cheap models. The time period “cheap” is essential right here, signifying a unit that’s small however nonetheless significant for the meant function. For instance, serious about a operate as a unit makes extra sense than breaking it down into every line of code. Questions concerning the unit come up:

• What does the unit do?
• What are the relationships with different models?

Holistic

The Holistic Method is the alternative. It includes breaking issues down into the largest models after which relating these huge models to reply the identical questions. For instance, contemplate what a whole module/file/class does and the way it pertains to others. You possibly can even take into consideration what a whole app does and the way it pertains to different apps.

Mixture of Each Approaches is Often the Finest

Sometimes, a mixture of each Atomistic and Holistic approaches yields one of the best outcomes. Begin with a Holistic view, then progressively break down the models into smaller elements.