Boilerplate: meaning, definitions and examples

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boilerplate

 

[ ˈbɔɪlərˌpleɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

legal documents

Boilerplate refers to standard language or text that is used repeatedly within legal documents, contracts, or agreements. It typically includes terms and conditions that are pre-written and can be inserted into various documents without requiring significant customization. This practice helps ensure consistency and efficiency in legal drafting. However, it's crucial for parties to review this standard language, as it can contain important obligations and rights that may affect the parties involved.

Synonyms

standard text, stock phrase, template

Examples of usage

  • The contract included boilerplate clauses about liability.
  • Always read the boilerplate terms before signing.
  • The lawyer advised me to pay attention to the boilerplate language.
Context #2 | Noun

programming code

In programming, boilerplate refers to sections of code that are reused in numerous places with little or no alteration. This repeated code often includes comments, function definitions, and class definitions that provide a necessary structure to software applications. Using boilerplate code can speed up development and maintain consistent coding standards across projects. However, excessive boilerplate can lead to code bloat and reduce readability.

Synonyms

repetitive code, standard code, template code

Examples of usage

  • The project was filled with boilerplate code that could be eliminated.
  • She used a boilerplate to start her new application.
  • The framework contains boilerplate for setting up a web server.

Translations

Translations of the word "boilerplate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 modelo padrão

🇮🇳 मॉडल टेक्स्ट

🇩🇪 Mustertext

🇮🇩 teks standar

🇺🇦 стандартний шаблон

🇵🇱 szablon

🇯🇵 ひな形

🇫🇷 modèle type

🇪🇸 plantilla

🇹🇷 şablon

🇰🇷 보일러플레이트

🇸🇦 نموذج قياسي

🇨🇿 šablona

🇸🇰 šablóna

🇨🇳 模板

🇸🇮 predloga

🇮🇸 módel

🇰🇿 стандартты үлгі

🇬🇪 სტანდარტული შაბლონი

🇦🇿 şablon

🇲🇽 plantilla

Etymology

The term 'boilerplate' originated in the newspaper industry in the mid-19th century, where it referred to the metal plates used for printing. Over time, the definition evolved to describe standard text that could be reused across multiple articles, resembling the way boilerplates made of metal were produced for repeated use. By the mid-20th century, the term had expanded into legal and commercial contexts, specifically referring to segments of text that were routinely included in contracts and agreements. In the realm of programming, the term was adopted to describe recurring code snippets that are commonly used across different projects, reflecting its broader utility in various forms of written communication.