Which term describes software that is able to be modified?

Which term describes software that is able to be modified?

• A. Reusability
• B. Syntax error
• C. Modifiability
• D. Quadratic

Answer: (C)

Modifiability is the ability to make changes to a software product after it’s built, whether to fix faults, add new features, or adapt to new environments. A design that supports modifiability uses clean, stable interfaces, clear code organization, and components that can be updated independently without ripple effects. When code is modular, well-documented, and has low coupling with high cohesion, developers can modify one part without touching unrelated areas, making evolution cheaper and less error-prone. For example, adding a new reporting option by adding a new module that communicates through a stable API keeps changes localized rather than requiring widespread rewrites. Reusability focuses on using components in multiple places or projects, which is related but not the same as how easy it is to modify code later. Syntax error describes invalid code that prevents compilation or execution, which is a failure, not a property of how modifiable the software is. Quadratic refers to a mathematical growth pattern and has no bearing on software modify-ability.

Modifiability is the ability to make changes to a software product after it’s built, whether to fix faults, add new features, or adapt to new environments. A design that supports modifiability uses clean, stable interfaces, clear code organization, and components that can be updated independently without ripple effects. When code is modular, well-documented, and has low coupling with high cohesion, developers can modify one part without touching unrelated areas, making evolution cheaper and less error-prone. For example, adding a new reporting option by adding a new module that communicates through a stable API keeps changes localized rather than requiring widespread rewrites.

Reusability focuses on using components in multiple places or projects, which is related but not the same as how easy it is to modify code later. Syntax error describes invalid code that prevents compilation or execution, which is a failure, not a property of how modifiable the software is. Quadratic refers to a mathematical growth pattern and has no bearing on software modify-ability.