What is a Software Component??

In software-speak, a "component" is a discreet package of computer code that performs services. In essence, components enable the software developer to build software that is made up of replaceable parts. Changes to the software can be made with less worry of implications to the overall code base -- you can change the code in the component, or completely replace the component without affecting the rest of the code base. The software developer may also purchase pre-built components from an external source and 'plug' them into their program.