---
title: "Component Class"
description: "A generic component class for embedded systems"
keywords: ["component", "ESP-32", "modbus", "industrial application"]
---

## Component

**Path**: [`src/modbus/Component.h`](../src/modbus/Component.h)

**Revision History**: Initial documentation

The Component class represents a generic component for industrial applications. It provides a foundation for creating various types of components with consistent behavior and interface. These components can be integrated into a modbus-based industrial control system.

## REQUIREMENTS

- ESP-32 platform
- No specific hardware pins required as this is a base class

## PROVIDES

- `Component` class - A base class for creating components in an industrial application
- Constants:
  - `COMPONENT_DEFAULT` - Default run flags for a component
  - `COMPONENT_NO_ID` - Default ID for a component

## FEATURES

- Name-based component identification
- ID-based component identification
- Configurable run flags
- Support for owner-child relationship between components
- Type identification through enumeration
- Integration with Modbus communication

## DEPENDENCIES

- [`WString.h`](../src/WString.h) - String handling
- [`ArduinoLog.h`](../src/ArduinoLog.h) - Logging functionality
- [`Vector.h`](../src/Vector.h) - Dynamic array implementation
- [`enums.h`](../src/modbus/enums.h) - Enumeration definitions
- [`constants.h`](../src/modbus/constants.h) - Constant definitions
- [`error_codes.h`](../src/modbus/error_codes.h) - Error code definitions
- [`macros.h`](../src/modbus/macros.h) - Macro definitions
- [`xtypes.h`](../src/modbus/xtypes.h) - Extended type definitions

```mermaid
graph TD
    Component --> WString
    Component --> ArduinoLog
    Component --> Vector
    Component --> enums
    Component --> constants
    Component --> error_codes
    Component --> macros
    Component --> xtypes
    ModbusBlock[ModbusBlockView] --> Component
    ModbusTCP --> Component
    RS485 --> Component
    Bridge --> Component
```

## BEHAVIOUR

The Component class operates as a base class that defines common behavior for various industrial components.

```mermaid
graph TD
    Init[Initialize Component] --> Setup[Setup Component]
    Setup --> Loop[Run Loop]
    Loop --> |Run Flags| Loop
    Loop --> |End of loop| Cleanup[Cleanup]
```

## TODOS

### PERFORMANCE

- Consider implementing lazy initialization for components with high initialization costs
- Evaluate the memory footprint of components in resource-constrained environments

### SECURITY

- Implement access control mechanisms for sensitive components
- Ensure proper validation of component IDs and types to prevent misuse

### COMPLIANCE

- Review compliance with industrial standards for component interfaces
- Ensure compatibility with Modbus protocol specifications

### RECOMMENDATIONS

- Extend this base class for specific component types rather than modifying the base class
- Use meaningful names and IDs for components to improve system maintainability
- Set appropriate run flags based on the component's intended behavior
- Organize components in a logical hierarchy using the owner-child relationship