Software Component
Section 08: Software Certification (DO-178C)
Definition
A distinct part of a software item, typically identified at the architectural design level. Software components are the building blocks of a software item's architecture: they implement specific functions, have defined interfaces, and may be composed of lower-level components or code modules. In DO-178C, the term is used in the context of software architecture, where the software item is decomposed into software components that implement the high-level requirements through low-level requirements and source code.
Where This Shows Up
Software components represent the design decomposition of a software item. The traceability chain runs from system requirements to high-level software requirements (allocated to the software item) to low-level software requirements (allocated to software components) to source code implementing those requirements. The architectural decomposition into components is documented in the Software Design Description.
Primary Sources
Describes software components in the context of software architecture and design.
Related Terms
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