Computer Science

Compiler noun: a program that translates source code into executable machine code, often handling multiple source files or modules. It analyzes syntax, semantics, and optimization opportunities before producing an executable or object code. In practice, compilers are essential for turning high-level language instructions into runnable software, with various stages like lexical analysis, parsing, and code generation.

Compliance refers to the act or process of conforming to a rule, standard, or requirement. It implies adherence to laws, guidelines, or internal policies. In practice, it can denote the state of being obedient to a set of rules or norms within an organization or system.

Compression refers to the act or process of pressing or squeezing something to reduce its volume or to increase its density. It can also describe the state of being compressed, or a device that applies pressure. In technical contexts, compression denotes data reduction, pressure in physics, or medical compression bands. The term carries a formal, precise tone and is frequently used in engineering, science, and medicine.

Concurrency refers to the occurrence of multiple tasks, events, or processes happening at the same time or overlapping in time. In computing and mathematics, it denotes the management of simultaneous operations, often aimed at efficiency, responsiveness, or parallelism. The term is used across software design, databases, and theoretical analysis to describe parallel activity and coordination.

Cryptography is the practice of constructing and analyzing protocols that prevent third parties from reading private messages. It involves algorithms, keys, and mathematical techniques to secure information, ensure confidentiality, and verify authenticity. In everyday use, it refers to the study and application of coded communications in security, privacy, and digital systems.

css is an acronym used in computing that refers to Cascading Style Sheets. It denotes a language used to describe the presentation of a document written in markup languages like HTML. In practice, “css” is often pronounced as a string of letters, reflecting its initialism nature rather than a spoken word, and carries domain-specific usage primarily in web development contexts.

Data is a plural noun referring to factual information collected for analysis, reference, or decision-making; in common usage, it often functions as a mass noun meaning information in general. The term spans formal and everyday contexts, from scientific datasets to trading data, and its pronunciation and plural behavior can vary by region and register.

Database (n.) a structured collection of data, typically stored electronically and accessible for querying and analysis. In computing, a database is organized to support efficient storage, retrieval, and management of information, often via a database management system. It can refer to a single database or the broader field of data systems and storage architectures.

A deadlock is a situation in which opposing parties cannot reach an agreement or proceed, causing a standstill. In formal contexts it denotes a stalemate or impasse that halts progress, often requiring a new approach or mediation to break the gridlock. The term can also describe a mechanical lock that cannot be opened without the correct key or mechanism.

Debugging refers to the process of identifying, isolating, and removing bugs or defects from a software program or system. It involves systematic investigation, testing, and refinement to ensure correct functionality and reliability. In practice, debugging spans from reading code and logs to reproducing issues and validating fixes across environments.

Decode means to translate coded or hidden information into intelligible form, or to analyze a process step by step to discover underlying meaning. It involves identifying symbols, patterns, or signs and converting them into a readable or understandable message. The term is common in computing, cryptography, and problem-solving contexts, often implying a careful, methodical deciphering action.

Decompression is the process of reducing pressure, stress, or load—often after a period of compression. In medical and scientific contexts, it denotes releasing pressure gradually to prevent damage; in everyday use, it can refer to relaxing after exertion or travel. The term encompasses physical, physiological, and psychological releases and is commonly paired with contexts like diving, engineering, or mental health.

Denormalization is the process of reintroducing or preserving nonstandard, nonconforming, or less conventional features, practices, or data representations within a system or culture that had moved toward normalization. It often implies deliberate deviation from standard procedures to achieve specific goals, such as preserving historical data, enabling compatibility, or testing system robustness. In computing, it can refer to altering data storage or indexing strategies to improve performance under particular conditions.

Dependency refers to a state of relying on someone or something for support, or the condition of being controlled or influenced by external factors. In grammar, it can describe a word or clause that depends on another part of the sentence. It conveys reliance, subordination, or a need for aid, often implying a relationship where one element cannot stand alone.

Deployment refers to the arrangement and movement of resources or personnel for a purpose, often in military, technology, or organizational contexts. It denotes the act of positioning, distributing, or deploying assets to achieve a specific objective. The term emphasizes execution and implementation rather than planning alone, and is commonly used in operations, logistics, and software rollouts.

Distributed is an adjective describing something allocated, spread, or granted over an area or among recipients; in technology, it refers to systems where components operate across multiple locations. It can also mean dispersed or shared across a network. The term often appears in contexts like distributed computing, distributed leadership, or distributed data. 2-4 sentences with focus on core meaning for practical use (50-80 words).

Double refers to twofold in amount or degree, or to a counterpart of something; it indicates a pair or duplication. In verb form, it can mean to make something twofold or to conceal one’s true identity. The term is used across mathematics, sports, and everyday language to denote quantity, repetition, or pairing, and can imply emphasis or comparison when used as a modifier.

Encapsulation is the act of enclosing something within or as if within a capsule. In science and computing, it refers to restricting access to an object's internal state and exposing only a controlled interface. The term conveys containment, enclosure, and the protection of internal details from external influence, often by means of a defined boundary or wrapper.

Encode means to convert information, data, or signals into a particular format for storage, processing, or transmission. It often involves applying a code or scheme to transform the original content so it can be efficiently stored, transmitted, or decoded later. In computing and communication, encoding can also refer to representing characters using specific standards or compressing data for efficiency.