Software engineering practice: Which option best captures the main advantages of modular programming in large software projects?

Introduction / Context:
Modular programming structures software as a set of cohesive, loosely coupled modules with well-defined interfaces. This approach is foundational for scalability, team collaboration, and long-term maintainability in modern development practices.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Large codebases benefit from separation of concerns.
• Teams often work in parallel on different components.
• Modules expose interfaces and hide implementation details.

Concept / Approach:
Benefits of modularity include maintainability (localized changes), reusability (modules used across projects), testability (unit tests per module), and parallel development (clear boundaries). It also can improve build times via separate compilation and can yield performance or size gains when modules enable targeted optimizations—though these are not guaranteed in every case.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Software engineering literature consistently cites modularity as a key to managing complexity (e.g., information hiding, modular design patterns).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Only faster execution / only smaller code: too narrow and not universally true. Reusability and easier maintenance only: partially correct but not as comprehensive as the best choice. None: incorrect because substantial advantages exist.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming modularity always improves runtime speed; confusing module boundaries with microservices or over-fragmenting the codebase.

Final Answer:
All of the above (reusability, easier maintenance, easier debugging, parallel development)