modularitást

Modularity, known as modularitás in Hungarian, refers to the design principle of composing a system from discrete components called modules. Each module encapsulates a specific function and exposes a well-defined interface, enabling modules to be developed, tested, replaced, or upgraded independently of one another. The aim is to reduce complexity by separating concerns and to improve flexibility, scalability, and maintainability.

Key characteristics include loose coupling between modules, high cohesion within modules, and standardized interfaces or APIs that enable interaction without exposing internal details. Modularity can apply across domains, from software and hardware to architecture and biology.

In software engineering, modularity underpins modular programming, component-based design, and microservices. It supports plug-in architectures where features can be added at runtime, and facilitates parallel development.

In hardware and product design, modularity enables customization and repair, as modules can be swapped or upgraded. In architecture and construction, modular construction uses prefabricated modules assembled on site, improving efficiency and reducing waste. In network science and biology, modular organization refers to modules or communities within a system that interact more strongly internally than with other parts; modularity is also a measure used to quantify such structure.

Benefits include improved maintainability, easier testing, reuse of modules, and the ability to scale systems by adding or replacing parts. Challenges include designing robust interfaces, managing version compatibility, performance overhead, and coordinating module ecosystems.

The Hungarian term modularitás denotes the same concept, and discussions of modularity are widespread across engineering, computer science, design, and science.