Feature Envy
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
A type of code smell. It refers to a module (or a person) that excessively focuses on and frequently accesses another module's data, as if it would rather live in that module. This usually indicates unclear division of responsibilities.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Boundary review. If you find yourself always making decisions that should be made by others (or other departments), or always cleaning up after others, you have 'Feature Envy'. Return responsibilities to the correct owner.
Anchor fast decisions
Feature Envy is a code smell: when module A frequently reads module B's data and performs calculations on it, it indicates that the 'data' and the 'logic that operates on the data' should belong together, and the division of responsibilities is misplaced. The same applies at the organizational level—if one entity always makes decisions for another, it means the boundaries of authority and responsibility are misaligned.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- kpcq.org.cnhttps://www.kpcq.org.cn/kitchen/458/419012958.shtmlverified
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