Learn MODULA3 with Real Code Examples

Modula-3 allows developers to write modular, maintainable code with strong type safety.

It supports object-oriented programming, generics, and concurrent programming.

Commonly used for systems software, compilers, networked applications, and research projects.

Modules for encapsulation

Objects and interfaces for abstraction

Automatic memory management (garbage collection)

Strong type system preventing unsafe operations

Concurrent programming with threads and monitors

Modules, interfaces, and implementations

Strong typing and type inference

Objects and inheritance

Exceptions and concurrency primitives

Memory management with garbage collection

src/ - Modula-3 source code

lib/ - library modules

bin/ - compiled executables

tests/ - unit tests and validation scripts

docs/ - documentation and design notes

Write Modula-3 source code (.m3 files)

Define interfaces and implementation modules

Compile using Modula-3 compiler

Link modules into executable program

Test and debug using standard compiler tools

Beginner: small modular programs

Intermediate: object-oriented applications

Advanced: concurrent systems programming

Expert: compiler or runtime development

Enterprise: safe and maintainable modular systems

Safer than C or C++ due to garbage collection and strong typing

More modular than Pascal or early Modula-2

Concurrency primitives built-in unlike many older languages

Less popular than mainstream languages like Java or C#

Designed for systems and research rather than general scripting

Late 1980s – Initial design at DEC SRC and Olivetti Research Center

Early 1990s – Compiler and runtime developed

1994 – First standard release and academic adoption

1995–2000 – Used in systems programming and compiler research

2025 – Legacy language with niche academic use

Module: encapsulated code unit

Interface: exported API for modules

Object: supports inheritance and encapsulation

Exception: runtime error handling construct

Monitor: concurrency primitive for thread safety