Do you find it challenging to follow a complicated computer program? If you are looking for a technique to design a readable software program, modular programming is the most preferred technique.
Technology nowadays is more focused on making complicated things simpler. When we look at the traditional programming techniques, codes with thousands of lines are included in the large software. The classic design makes it a bit difficult to understand the purpose of the segments of code.
Therefore, modular programming was introduced to overcome the complexity of programs. The modular programming concept has existed for years. Using this concept, one can design small segments to perform a particular function allocated to the piece from a particular part of the program.
If you have very little knowledge about modular programming concepts and want to enrich your understanding of this programming technique, you are in the correct spot. This blog will help you perceive all about the technique, its uses, types, history, languages in which the modular programming concept is used, its importance, and future. We will also tell you why the modular programming concept is beneficial for use in designing a program.
What is Modular Programming Concept?
Modular programming concept is a simple technique used in designing software. It is better known for creating simple software configurations. A manageable software is developed by dividing a large software program into easy sub-programs.
You can do a subdivision of an entire program by putting related software codes in a specific module. Each module will comprise everything essential to produce the individual perspective of the coveted functionality. When we have different modules ready, they exist separately, and the combination of these sub-programs prepares a complete program.
Hence, the module can be identified as a separate software segment that can be used for various purposes with other operation elements. Moreover, this simple concept of programming is closely associated with the subject and object-related programming. The ultimate goal of this program is to break the code of the entire program into smaller sections for software's better understanding.
Types of Modules
- Program Control Module: In this category, a program is controlled by an independent module uniquely designed for this purpose only. The other programs may use the identical module with a similar name, but depending on the program, the module's content is designed variably.
Program Control Modules communicate no information, but they use a shared space for mutable storage.
A special module makes the central program segment in various programming services. The module is incorporated with the identifier title of the main. This module's remarkable feature is that the program begins producing code and holds the coding where the module is placed. This unique control module is commonly the initial module of a program. The main module's defined code is available in advance, and the code is not archetyped or regularly termed like various modules incorporated in the program.
- Specific Task Module: In this category, a module is produced to achieve a particular task that is prevalent in several programs. Specific task modules are previously coded and examined, so it is easy to trust them to compose an extensive program efficiently. However, noticing this functionality of specific task modules, we also refer to them as foundational elements
These modules are used to transfer the data amid the initial program and another program that is used. Specific Task Module's ability to share information makes it secure to use in multiple programs. Though the specific task module communicates the information, the rules that define how the information is transmitted inside and outside of a module vary greatly depending upon the programming language.
The specific task module includes the following data transmission options:
- Some data communicated inside with some data communicated outside
- Some information communicated inside with no data communicated outside
- No data communication inside with some data transmission outside
- No information communication inside with no information communication outside
The specific task module is either placed prior to or after the main module depending upon the coding precepts specified for a given language. Like, the typical design of the module in JavaScript and Python is:
Function identifier name (<identifier name for input value>) {
//lines of code;
return <value>;
}
def function identifier name (<identifier name for input value>) :
//lines of code;
return <value>;
The standard design of module in languages like C and C++ is:
<return value data type> function identifier name (<data type> <identifier name for input value>) {
//lines of code;
Return <value>;
}
History of Modular Programming Concept
"Modular Programming" name was given by Larry Constantine. In the beginning, this unique programming was incorporated in software libraries and subsystems, where the technique was practiced in a meaningful way by reusing the code. The formal use of the programming technique began in the late 20th century when structured programming was developed.
The initial specifications did not include modules as their part inside the programming language. In language's early implementation, the modules were included as extensions. Modules were formalized as a segment of language much later.
Module Programming Concept is Used in these Languages
- Java
- MATLAB
- Go
- NEWS
- Perl
- COBOL
- IBM Assembler
- Morpho
- Erlang
- FORTRAN
- Zannon
Points to Look for in Advance of Applying Modular Programming Concept
- What will be the feasible way to split-up the complete program
- Before partitioning the program, decide the constraints of an individual module in advance.
- How communication will happen between distinct modules for the proper accomplishment of the whole program.
Benefits of Modular Programming Concept
- Easy Readability
We all know that it is difficult to read a complex program, but when you subdivide your large program into smaller divisions, it is easy to read them. Moreover, when you have separate modules for specific functions, it is easy to find pieces and save your time.
Whenever you divide the program into pieces, always remember that data should not be divided into multiple pieces. Therefore, it is advised to subdivide the program sensibly so that everything is easy to handle, and you can find the desired piece in a shorter time.
- Enables Easy Collaboration
When different teams have to work on the same program, they should have a proper understanding and collaborative spirit to move things right. But when separate teams work on different components of a program, it might result in some conflicts.
If you have the code already split into modules and files, there will remain very few chances of the dispute. Also, the work will be divided and completed adequately in significantly less time.
- Easy Testing of Code
A module can be easily and effectively tested in comparison to the monolithic code. You can test the split modules effectively and in a detailed manner because it is easy to test a fraction of code that is designed only for a particular task. Another benefit of modular programming is that you might not have to give big and in-depth comments while testing a module.
- No Time Debugging
When it comes to debugging large problems, sometimes it gets challenging to find how and when a bug occurred in the program. Finding a bug in monolithic code can take some time, but if the modules of a program are created, it gets easier to detect the code in which the problem occurred, and you can easily get rid of it.
- Easily Manageable
If anyone is asked to manage a complex program, it will take much longer. Thanks to modular programming, which made it easy to overlook the key in short sections. You can simply go to the area where your focus is needed and complete the task in the minimum required time.
- Reusability
There are chances that the user will find the need for the same codes in diverse programs. Instead of writing the cipher again or copying and pasting the code, the module used in one program can easily be applied in various programs.
- Quality Programs
The created program should comprise of specific codes, but it isn't essential to make it complicated by creating it tricky by framing consistent code. When you split-up the whole program into modules, different teams can work on different modules. When the teams give all their attention to a particular module, they will be able to provide quality results.
Therefore, when all the quality modules are brought together to combine, a quality program will be produced.
Future Use of Modular Programming Concept
When it comes to designing a program, it's not only about coding but also about choosing the right framework, libraries, packages, and much more. The codes designed to set a program's spine should be easy to find, analyze, and use the right elements to write easy codes to maintain applications.
Modular Programming Concept enables one to maintain all these features of the codes designed on a website. Therefore, the modularity is valuable to provide a comfortable framework to the program.
The modular Programming Concept is considered as the future of programming because every industry favors minimalization so do the programs. In the future, the programs will be produced excessively. Therefore, to create the best results in less time, the modular programming concept will be used extensively.
Summary
Hence, you must have come to know why it is essential to understand the modular programming concept. If you believe in demolishing complexity, you would have come to recognize the importance of the modular programming concept and how this software design technique can help you create a better website.