Computer Science

Coherency refers to the quality of being logical, consistent, and well-integrated, such that parts fit together to form a clear overall message or structure. It emphasizes logical flow, clear connections, and seamless progression of ideas. In practice, coherency is achieved through organized argumentation, precise terminology, and cohesive sentence construction that guides the reader or listener smoothly from point to point.

Commit (verb) means to dedicate oneself to a cause, activity, or obligation, or to perform a particular act. It implies a firm decision, sustained involvement, and responsibility for outcomes. In legal or formal contexts it can also mean to pledge or bind oneself to a course of action. The word spans both everyday and specialized usage, with emphasis on commitment, duration, and accountability.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Firewall is a compound noun referring to a security barrier that monitors and blocks unauthorized access to a network or computer system, preventing the spread of threats. In computing, it can be hardware-based or software-based and is commonly deployed to enforce access control policies. The term emphasizes protective separation between trusted and untrusted zones, safeguarding data and services from intrusion.

Fragmentation refers to the process or state of breaking into smaller parts or fragments. It can describe physical disintegration, data segmentation, or social/political fragmentation where unity breaks down into disconnected segments. The term implies division, dispersion, and a lack of cohesion, often with gradual or uneven progression.

A structural skeleton or blueprint that provides the essential components and relationships for a system, project, or idea. It’s the underlying support framework that organizes, guides, and constraints development, processes, or design; often used in engineering, software, organizations, and academic theory. It implies stability, coherence, and a prescribed set of rules or conventions that shape implementation.

A word that denotes a purpose, role, or required operation within a system, or a mathematical relation mapping inputs to outputs. In everyday speech, it often refers to a particular duty or function of an object or organism. In mathematics and computing, it can signify a rule that assigns each input exactly one output.

Gateway is a compound noun or verb meaning a means of access or entry point, often symbolic as an opening to opportunity or transition. It is pronounced with two syllables, the first stressed: /ˈɡeɪtˌwɛɪ/ in many accents, though some forms cluster the diphthongs more tightly. The term functions as a concrete or metaphorical entry, bridging domains or states.

Generics refers to products sold without brand names, or taxonomy referring to a general, non-specific class. In pronunciation terms, it’s a two-syllable word with a soft initial /dʒ/ or /ˈdʒɛnərɪks/ rhythm, commonly pluralized as /ˈdʒɛnərɪks/ in ordinary speech. The term is often used in medical or consumer contexts to denote non-brand substitutes or general classifications, rather than specific brand-name items.

Go is a versatile verb meaning to move or travel from one place to another, or to operate or function. In everyday use it also appears in phrases and idioms (go ahead, go on, go for it). The term can function as an imperative, infinitive, or part of phrasal verbs, and its pronunciation can convey casualness or emphasis in speech.

Graph is a short, single-syllable noun or verb referring to a diagram or plotted data, typically pronounced with a hard g followed by a short a and f sound. It conveys information visually or to chart relationships, trends, or connections. In technical writing, it often introduces data representations, figures, or mathematical graphs.