code
kohd
Code (noun) means Instructions written in a programming language that a computer can run. Example: “The developers checked every line of code before releasing the update.”
noun
1
Instructions written in a programming language that a computer can run.
"The developers checked every line of code before releasing the update."
"She spent all afternoon debugging the code."
"He rewrote the code to make the app load faster."
2
A system of symbols or signals used to represent information secretly or compactly.
"Each letter in the message was swapped for a number, so it looked like a secret code."
"Morse code uses short and long signals to spell out words."
"The spies communicated using a simple substitution code."
3
A formal set of laws, rules, or principles governing a subject or group.
"Doctors follow a strict code of ethics when treating patients."
"The school's dress code says that everyone must wear a uniform."
"The company's code of conduct bans discrimination of any kind."
verb
1
To write instructions for a computer program.
"My sister is learning to code so she can build her own website."
"They code in the evenings after the children have gone to bed."
"He taught himself to code over the summer."
How to use code
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly today, instructions written for a computer; also a set of rules, or a system for disguising information.
Common pairings
write code
a code of conduct
crack a code
source code
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Word forms
- Plural
- codes
- Third person singular
- codes
- Past tense
- coded
Fill the gap
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The developers checked every line of _____ before releasing the update.
Etymology
From Old French code, "system of law," ultimately from Latin codex, an early word for a wax-covered wooden writing tablet — and later, a book.
Synonyms
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source code
program
script
instructions
programming
cipher
cypher
encrypt
encipher
inscribe
codification
computer code
Related words
Rhymes for code
See all rhymes for code →Frequently asked questions
What does “code” mean?
The word “code” means instructions written in a programming language that a computer can run. In plain terms, most commonly today, instructions written for a computer; also a set of rules, or a system for disguising information.
How do you pronounce “code”?
“Code” is pronounced kohd (/koʊd/ in IPA).
How do you use “code” in a sentence?
Here is “code” used in a sentence: “She spent all afternoon debugging the code.”
What part of speech is “code”?
Depending on how it is used, “code” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “code” come from?
The word “code” comes from Latin. From Old French code, "system of law," ultimately from Latin codex, an early word for a wax-covered wooden writing tablet — and later, a book.
Is “code” a common word?
“Code” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “code” have?
“Code” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: instructions written in a programming language that a computer can run.
What is the difference between code and a program?
Code is the written text, the instructions a programmer types in a language like Python or JavaScript. A program is the complete, working software those instructions produce once assembled and run. Code is the raw material, while the program is the finished, usable result built from it.
What is the difference between coding and programming?
The two overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably. Coding usually refers to the hands-on act of writing the instructions themselves. Programming tends to describe the wider process around it, including planning, designing, testing and maintaining software, of which writing code is one central part.
What are some examples of programming code?
Source written in languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, C++ or HTML all counts as code. It might be a short script that renames files, or millions of lines running a whole operating system. Whatever the scale, it is text that instructs a computer to carry out specific tasks.
Is code the same as software?
They are closely linked but not identical. Code is the human-written source text, while software is the running product that code becomes once compiled or interpreted by a computer. Put simply, developers write code, and users run software. One is the recipe, the other the finished meal.
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