method that loads before controller modules

[eluser]laytone[/eluser]
A module is a part of a component which is a part of a system and really the definition of a module has nothing to do with anything.

In joomla a module is one part of a page.

Define Module:
# a self-contained component (unit or item) that is used in combination with other components
or
# An independent part of a program. Much of Apache's functionality is contained in modules that you can choose to include or exclude. ...

Definitely not another way to say 'method' or 'function'!

Use your constructor and / or extend your controller class to solve your problem.. Constructors a specifically used to call function (aka methods) before any other function in the class are called. use constructors to load common variables and manipulate data that need to be access-able from any part of your class / controller.