Modularity

95% of the words [about software architecture] are spent extolling the benefits of “modularity” and that little, if anything, is said about how to achieve it.

Modularity is a fundamental organizing principle in software architecture. If an architect neglects how the components of a system interconnect, it can lead to numerous problems.

Although the concept of modularity is widely recognized in software architecture, it can be elusive to precisely define. These modules serve as a means of encapsulating functionality, promoting code organization, and enhancing maintainability.

Maintaining good modularity embodies an implicit architectural characteristic: most projects may not explicitly demand the architect to ensure it, but sustainable code bases necessitate order and consistency in modular distinction and communication. A well-organized system with clear boundaries between modules fosters code reusability, ease of maintenance, and scalability, contributing to the long-term success of the project.

Definition

Modularity refers to the logical grouping of related code, whether it's classes in an object-oriented language or functions in a structured or functional language. Developers commonly employ modules to organize and group related code together.

For architects, understanding how developers package code is crucial, as it significantly impacts the architecture. Tight coupling between packages can make it challenging to reuse one of them for related tasks.