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Code & Deliverynoun · /ˈmɒd.juːl/

module

In simple English

In software development, a module is a discrete, reusable piece of code that is isolated from the rest of your application. It typically contains functions, classes, or data related to a specific feature or functionality. Modules make code easier to maintain, test, and understand because each module has a clear purpose. In languages like Python, a module is literally a .py file. In JavaScript, modules are files that export specific functions or objects. In larger systems, modules are often grouped into packages or libraries. Teams use modules to avoid code duplication and to allow different developers to work on different parts of an application simultaneously without conflicts.

Understand what a code module is and how it is used in software development

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility5/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

✓Let us separate this into modules
✓The authentication module handles user login
✓We are importing a module from a third-party library

Real examples

in a standup

"Yesterday I finished the database module, and today I am working on integrating it with the API module."

in a code review

"This module is doing too much; we should split it into smaller, focused modules."

in a team meeting

"The payment module needs to be updated before we can process transactions with the new payment provider."

Don't say this

Handle with care. Do not confuse module (a code unit) with model (a representation or pattern). Module is always about code organization, not design patterns.

✕We need to module the code.
✓We need to modularize the code.— Module is a noun, not a verb. Use modularize or refactor to describe the action of breaking code into modules.
✕This module is a good model for our system.
✓This module is a good example for our system.— Module and model are different. Module is a code unit; model is a design pattern or representation.
✕We import the module file.
✓We import the module.— You import the module itself, not the module file. The file is just the container.

Other forms

noun

module

"The authentication module handles all user login logic."

noun

modular

"We prefer a modular architecture for better maintainability."

verb

modularize

"We need to modularize this monolithic codebase."

Often used with

import a moduleBring a module into your code to use its functionality
export from a moduleMake functions or objects available for use by other modules
core moduleA central or essential module in a system
external moduleA third-party module from a library or package manager
break into modulesRefactor code to split it into separate modules
module dependencyOne module relying on another to function

Similar words

componentMore general term; a module is a specific type of component focused on code organization
packageA group of modules; module is smaller and more granular than a package
libraryA collection of modules and functions; broader than a single module
unitGeneric term for a piece of code; module is more specific

Opposites

monolithmonolithic code

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your colleague asks how you organized your code. Which response sounds most natural?

Complete the sentence

2. We should _______ the user authentication into a separate module for reusability.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses module incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this in natural tech English: Each piece of the code should be able to stand alone and work with other pieces.

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "module" in a standup this week?

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