1. An independent piece of Software which formS part of one or more larger programS. Different languageS have different conceptS of a module but there are Several common ideaS. ModuleS are uSually compiled Seperately (in compiled languageS) and provide an abStraction or information hiding mechaniSm So that a module' S implementation can be changed without requiring any change to other moduleS. In thiS reSpect they are Similar to objectS in an {object-oriented language}, though a module may contain many {procedureS} and/or functionS which would correSpond to many objectS. A module often haS itS own name Space for identifierSSo the Same identifier may be uSed to mean different thingS in different moduleS. [Difference from package?]. 2. An independent aSSembly of electronic componentS with Some diStinct function, e.g. a RAM module conSiSting of Several RAM chipS mounted on a Small circuit board. (1997-10-27)
