Used generically, this can refer to any entity or part. In software, today, is usually refers to a software module, organized via object-oriented techniques. (See object-oriented.)

A component is a retrievable object associated with a package or module. Examples of module components are Source, Fullsource (source plus dependencies), Documentation, and Example. Available components vary from module to module and package to package. Note that source is not always available (it is never available for commercial software indexed in GAMS).

The collection of programs and modules that perform a single, identified technical or business function. Examples of components include the scheduler of an operating system or the parser of a compiler.

A collection of files which can be installed as an add-on to Joomla to provide extra features that are not available in the basic installation. A component usually has a back-end configuration utility, accessible through the 'components' menu in Joomla Administrator, and sometimes must be used in conjunction with a module and/or mambot in order for the end result to be visible in the website front end. For example, VirtueMart is a component which adds e-commerce capability to Joomla - but to access the shop's menu system in the website front end, you also need to install the corresponding module.

A minimal software item for which a separate specification is available.

A software module designed to be used repeatedly in developing applications, either with or without modification. (See module .)