What is the purpose of a module in programming?

The purpose of a module in programming is to hold related functions, classes, or data. Modules are a way to organize code into manageable sections, allowing for better structure and readability. By grouping related functionalities into a module, developers can promote code reusability and maintainability. This approach not only helps in avoiding duplication of code but also aids in isolating specific functionalities, making it easier to debug and enhance separate components of the program.

Using modules, developers can create distinct namespaces and ensure that functions and classes with similar names do not conflict with one another. Additionally, modular programming enables collaboration among multiple developers by allowing them to work on different modules independently before integrating their code into a larger project.

In contrast, compiling the entire program is a process that translates source code into machine code, which is not the primary role of a module. While modules can play a part in creating graphical interfaces, that is not their defining purpose. Managing user security can also be a responsibility within a program, but it is usually handled through specific libraries or components rather than being a general function of a module.