Modular Programming: Managing Project Complexity

This lecture introduces the concept of modular programming, focusing on how to manage the complexity of large projects. It begins by defining software architecture and the importance of minimizing dependencies between modules. The instructor explains the structure of a module, which consists of an interface and an implementation, and emphasizes the principles of abstraction and reusability. The lecture covers the process of compiling code and creating executables, detailing the steps of compilation and linking. The significance of the call graph is discussed, illustrating how it provides a synthetic view of function dependencies. The instructor also highlights the importance of using makefiles to manage dependencies and ensure coherence in large projects. By the end of the lecture, students will understand how to effectively structure their code using modules, the implications of module dependencies, and the practical aspects of compiling and linking in a modular programming environment.