What does modularity allow in a programming environment?

Modularity is a fundamental concept in programming that promotes dividing a program into smaller, manageable sections known as modules or sub-programs. This division allows for each module to be developed independently from the others, which brings several advantages, including the ability to conduct independent testing of these sub-programs. By testing modules separately, developers can identify and fix issues in isolation, leading to a more reliable overall system.

Independent testing becomes particularly useful in large applications, as it allows for more focused debugging and verification of functionality within each module without needing to consider the entire codebase simultaneously. Moreover, it facilitates team collaboration, where different developers can work on different modules simultaneously, enhancing productivity.

In contrast to the other possibilities, the focus on independent testing is a key strength of modularity, allowing for a more systematic approach to managing complexity in software development.