Boilerplate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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boilerplate
[หbษษชlษrหpleษชt ]
Definitions
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.
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
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Interesting Facts
Legal Context
- Legal documents often include boilerplate clauses that define standard terms, such as liability limitations and dispute resolutions.
- Using boilerplate can save time, but itโs essential to review them carefully to ensure they fit the specific situation.
- Common legal boilerplate language includes terms like 'force majeure,' which protects parties from unforeseen circumstances preventing contract fulfillment.
Marketing and Business
- In marketing, boilerplate refers to standardized text used to describe a company, often at the end of press releases.
- Using boilerplate helps ensure consistent messaging across various communications, helping build a brand identity.
- Companies often customize boilerplate sections for different media releases to highlight specific aspects of their business.
Technology
- In programming, boilerplate code refers to sections of code that are repeated in multiple applications, streamlining project setups.
- Frameworks and libraries may use boilerplate code to provide developers with ready-made components, saving time on development.
- Understanding how to modify boilerplate code is crucial for developers to customize applications while maintaining efficiency.
Cultural References
- In journalism, boilerplate language can standardize articles, ensuring specific facts remain consistent in various publications.
- The use of boilerplate in books or articles can sometimes make writing feel formulaic, leading to discussions about creativity versus standards.
- The practice of using boilerplate is often critiqued in creative fields, prompting debates about authenticity and individual expression.
Origin of 'boilerplate'
Main points about word origin
- Originally referred to steel plates used for steam boilers in the late 19th century, which were very consistent and reliable.
- The term began to be used metaphorically in writing to describe standard contracts and agreements that didn't change much.
- In printing, it referred to pre-printed sections that could be easily reused, similar to how boilerplates work in documents today.
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.