Why did Fred Brooks emphasize modularity in software design?
Modularity is essential for managing the inherent complexity of software. By breaking down a large system into smaller, independent modules, each with a well-defined interface, we can reduce cognitive load. This allows different teams to work on different parts concurrently with less interdependency. It also facilitates easier testing, debugging, and future modification. The goal is to isolate change and limit its ripple effect throughout the system.
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