121 Modularity
Managing system complexity by dividing large systems into smaller, self-contained systems.
Modularity is a structural principle used to manage complexity in systems. It involves identifying related groups of functions in systems and then transforming those groups into independent self-contained units or modules. For example, the modular design of computer memory chips provides computer owners the option of increasing the memory in their computer without replacing the entire computer. The option to easily and inexpensively improve a system gives modular designs an intrinsic advantage over nonmodular designs.1
Modules should be designed to hide their internal complexity and interact with other modules through simple interfaces. ...
Get Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.
