Module

A module is a self-contained component of a system, which has a well-defined interface to the other components; something is modular if it includes or uses modules which can be interchanged as units without disassembly of the module. Design, manufacture, repair, etc. of the modules may be complex, but this is not relevant; once the module exists, it can easily be connected to or disconnected from the system.

Different meanings of module, sorted by category

Computers

• Module (programming), computer program structuring.
• Module (Linux), object code loadable into the Linux kernel.
• Module file (.mod), various computer file formats for music.

Mathematics

• Module (mathematics), in abstract algebra, a set with addition and multiplication.
• Modular form, in mathematics, certain analytic functions, used in number theory.
• Modular representation theory, in mathematics, representing groups using complex numbers called characters.
• See also modulo, modulus, moduli space

Other

• Modularity (biology), the idea of modularity in biology.
• Modularity (programming), the idea of modularity in computers.
• Modularity of mind, hypothesized modules in mental processes.
• Sound module, electronic musical instrument without a human interface.
• Vitruvian module, in architecture, the semidiameter of a column at its base.
• Module (role-playing games) - scenario or adventure, in role-playing games.
• Module (architecture)- A section of a modular building.
• Modular home
• Module (equipment) - a complete subassembly of some sort which can be replaced in its entirety by an identical module or a different module.
• The components of a modular space station such as the ISS or the Mir.

See also

• Modulus
• MCM (multi-chip module- an electronic part containing several sub-assemblies)