Software Component

A Software Component is a modular unit that provides software functionality (through component interfaces and component implementations).

AKA: Program Component, Code Module, Software Unit.
Context:
- It can (typically) provide Component Functions through interface definitions.
- It can (typically) implement Component Logic through code implementations.
- It can (typically) maintain Component State through data management.
- It can (typically) support Component Integration through module interfaces.
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- It can (often) enable Code Reuse through modular design.
- It can (often) facilitate System Extension through plugin architecture.
- It can (often) manage Component Dependencys through interface contracts.
- It can (often) ensure Component Quality through unit testing.
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- It can range from being a Simple Component to being a Complex Component, depending on its functionality scope.
- It can range from being a Stateless Component to being a Stateful Component, depending on its state management.
- It can range from being a Library Component to being a Service Component, depending on its deployment type.
- It can range from being a Frontend Component to being a Backend Component, depending on its system layer.
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- It can integrate with Software Frameworks for component execution.
- It can utilize Component Patterns for design implementation.
- It can incorporate Testing Frameworks for quality assurance.
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Example(s):
- Application Components, such as:
  - UI Components, such as:
    - Widget Component for user interaction.
    - Display Component for data visualization.
- System Components, such as:
  - Service Components, such as:
    - Data Access Component for database operations.
    - Network Component for communication protocols.
- Framework Components, such as:
  - Extension Components, such as:
    - Plugin Component for system customization.
    - Module Component for functionality extension.
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Counter-Example(s):
- Hardware Component, which provides physical functionality.
- Documentation Component, which provides information content.
- Process Component, which defines workflow steps.
See: Software Module, Software Library, Component Architecture, Software Design, Code Organization.