What is a nested component in software development?

A nested component refers to a child component that is associated with a parent component in a hierarchical structure. In software development, especially within frameworks that utilize component-based architecture (like React, Vue.js, or Angular), components can contain other components. This organization allows for better modularity, reusable code, and separation of concerns.

The child component, or nested component, inherits properties and behaviors from the parent component while also being able to manage its own state and functionality. This relationship allows for more complex user interfaces to be built from simpler, smaller components. The hierarchical approach supports better maintenance and scalability, as changes made to a parent component can propagate down to nested components, thereby streamlining the update process across the application.

The other choices do not accurately describe the concept of a nested component. Components that operate independently refer to standalone components without parent-child relationships, temporary modules are used for interim testing and don't reflect structural relationships, and components used exclusively for documentation focus on providing information rather than functionality or organization within the application.