mõdu

Módu is a term used in discussions of modular design to denote a self-contained unit that encapsulates a specific functionality and exposes a defined interface. The concept emphasizes interchangeability and composability within a larger system, aligning with the broader aim of modular architectures.

Etymology and adoption: The word combines the idea of a module with a stylized spelling that favors cross-domain readability. It appears in software engineering, systems design, and educational contexts as a language-neutral way to refer to modular components. It is not a standardized term in major specifications, but it is used informally to highlight modular boundaries.

Definition and core properties: A módu provides a contract or interface that defines inputs, outputs, and expected behavior. Its internal implementation is encapsulated, so external components rely only on the interface rather than the details of the code. Dependencies are declared explicitly, enabling approaches such as dependency injection and easy replacement of implementations.

Applications: In software architectures, data processing pipelines, and hardware design, módu units are combined to build complex systems. An example is a logging módu that exposes a write function and a configuration interface, allowing different backends (such as file, network, or in-memory logs) to be swapped without changing callers.

Relation to related concepts: A módu is similar to a module, component, or plugin, but the term is used to emphasize modular interchangeability and well-defined interfaces. Challenges include selecting appropriate granularity, managing versioning, and addressing cross-cutting concerns like security and observability.

See also: Module, Plugin, Microservice.