Modular programming: what is it?

Print anything with Printful



Modular programming involves breaking data into smaller modules for easier absorption by larger computing systems, faster development, and individual testing. Commonalities are identified and minimal dependencies are important. Information hiding and code libraries improve system performance and upgrade potential.

Modular programming is a type of coding and software development that involves breaking data into smaller packages or “modules.” In most cases these modules are easier for larger computing systems to absorb, which can make them faster and more efficient for the end user; perhaps most important from a coding perspective, however, is that the small size of the packages means they can be individually tested, developed and refined. Breaking programs into smaller pieces has in many ways made development much more painstaking and accurate, and has also opened numerous doors for innovation. However, distributing programs is usually not as simple as simply drawing lines. Most of the time, modules are split based on their commonalities and with the goal of minimizing overlapping dependencies that components might have in common. The end goal is usually to break up the program so that it can be quickly and thoroughly developed into a seamless whole with minimal effort or overlapping controls.

Basic concept and main advantages

Software programming and coding comes in many different forms and can have a number of discrete goals. As operations get more and more complex, however, the process of building, debugging, and running all the individual components that together make up the larger program can be a big job, in some cases so big that things have already changed in initial stages before. the last pieces are finished. One of the most efficient ways to work around the problems and maximize construction efficiency is to break your code into modules, which has become a standard way of coding in most arenas. Among other things, it’s a process that generally helps shorten development time and avoid replicating code

Identify commonalities

Identifying commonalities within software is the foundation of modular programming. By grouping similar objects and processes together, and making sure that each resulting module works properly, the proper functioning of the entire system is improved. That is, if the modules work well in terms of what that module is there to do, they are more likely to work well when put together.

Importance of minimal dependencies
Minimal dependencies between modules are another key feature. Basically, minimal dependencies means that there can be many relationships between objects within a module and few relationships between objects in separate modules. To evaluate the degree of dependency within a program, software developers use a measurement process known as coupling. Some coupling is required for modules to work together to achieve the goal of the software program as a whole, but to reduce the possibility of error, loose coupling is best from a modular programming perspective.
Hide information

Information hiding, another aspect often employed in this more fragmented approach to programming, also helps simplify things and reduce errors and redundancies. Essentially, this feature limits the amount of information provided to only what is needed. Additional, though possibly related, information is not transmitted to the user of the software or to a program module requesting information from another module within the program.
Role of the code library
Modular programming typically uses a compiled code library, which implements consistency in the coding or programming of each module. If a program consists of Module A, Module B, and Module C, all these modules will be executed from a single source of code that can be reused in all modules. The lack of repetition for each module improves system performance and reduces the possibility of human error in coding.
Upgrade potential
The split concept makes each module and its components independent of each other, but each module is still dependent on the same code base. Exclusivity between modules allows a developer to replace or update individual pieces of software at a time. A more piecemeal approach allows the developer to load the required parts of a program as needed. The ability to easily make additions or changes to the software without the need to modify the underlying program also allows developers to release multiple versions of a software application with customizable components.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content