Component-based software engineering (CBSE) is an approach that develops applications by composing independent and reusable software components. Key aspects of CBSE include: defining component interfaces and standards, using middleware to enable component interoperability, and following a development process focused on reuse. CBSE aims to improve software quality through principles like independence, well-defined interfaces and reduced development costs. Challenges include ensuring component trustworthiness, certification and predicting emergent properties of compositions.