Ask HN: Where did you learn modular electronics?
In practice, you'll find that the "discrete components" (official term for the miscellaneous things that aren't ICs) are <i>also</i> making up modules - that is, they're used as parts of standard recognisable sub-systems to perform a particular function. Such as "decoupling capacitor", "termination resistor", "common emitter amplifier", "pi filter" and so on.<p>I don't think you can really "cookbook" without knowing any theory, but the amount of theory you need is fairly small and you don't necessarily need all the maths.<p>"The Art Of Electronics" is the standard book to refer people to.