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Original · left

Module (prefab unit)

A standardized, self-contained prefabricated unit used to assemble spacecraft or modular buildings.

First in use: the 1950s
Duplicate · right

Module (programming)

A separate, encapsulated file or package containing functions, classes, and logic exportable to other programs.

First in use: the 1960s

Module / Module (prefab unit) / Module (programming)

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Canonical todayMeasuring…
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Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Spacecraft modules vs. imports.

Which meaning of Module is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Module (prefab unit) came first (the 1950s). Module (programming) arrived in the 1960s. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Module (prefab unit)Module (programming)
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

Share-of-attention line loads here.

The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · the 1950s

Module (prefab unit)

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Duplicate · the 1960s

Module (programming)

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More duplicated terms

Programming & software