Codes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ป
Add to dictionary

codes

[koสŠdz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer programming

A system of words, letters, or signs used to represent a message in a form that can be understood by someone who knows the system.

Synonyms

ciphers, signals, symbols.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
codes

Used when discussing a system of rules and standards, often in the context of communication, programming, or ethics.

  • They cracked the secret code to decipher the message
  • The software code needs debugging
ciphers

Used in contexts involving secretive communication, particularly in cryptography. Often implies an encrypted or coded message.

  • During World War II, many nations used ciphers to send confidential information
  • The agents communicated using a complex cipher
symbols

Used when referring to a mark, sign, or object that represents an idea, function, or process. Commonly used in mathematics, literature, and everyday life.

  • The heart symbol universally represents love
  • In mathematics, the symbol '+' denotes addition
signals

Used when referring to a gesture, sound, or action that conveys information or a command. Often seen in contexts involving communication and technology.

  • The traffic light signals when to stop and go
  • They sent a distress signal to the nearby ship

Examples of usage

  • These codes are essential for the functioning of the software program.
  • The Morse code uses dots and dashes to represent letters and numbers.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

Laws or regulations.

Synonyms

laws, regulations, rules.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
codes

Frequently used to refer to a system of principles or rules, especially in technical fields like programming or ethics.

  • The codes of conduct for our organization are very strict.
  • She is learning how to write codes in Python.
laws

Formal rules established by a governing authority and enforceable by the judicial system. Often used in legal or governmental contexts.

  • There are strict laws against pollution.
  • He studied criminal laws in university.
regulations

Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority, often used in administrative or organizational contexts.

  • New health regulations were introduced last year.
  • Companies must follow safety regulations at all times.
rules

Guidelines or principles that dictate behavior, often used in everyday contexts, sports, games, and general settings.

  • The rules of the game are simple to understand.
  • You must follow the rules set by the school.

Examples of usage

  • The local city code prohibits parking on the sidewalk.
  • The building code outlines safety requirements for construction.
Context #3 | Verb

computer programming

To write code for a computer program.

Synonyms

develop, program, script.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
codes

Used to refer to written instructions in a programming language or a set of rules and principles in various fields.

  • She writes codes for a living as a software engineer.
  • The safety codes must be strictly followed during construction.
program

Often used to refer to creating software or a sequence of operations for a computer to perform tasks.

  • She knows how to program in multiple languages, including Python and Java.
  • The team worked hard to program the new application.
develop

Typically used in a broader sense to mean creating, growing, or improving something, not limited to programming.

  • The company aims to develop a new smartphone model this year.
  • He wants to develop his skills in graphic design.
script

A short code written to automate tasks or execute a sequence of commands, usually simpler than a full program.

  • He wrote a script to automate the data entry process.
  • The startup uses a script to manage their daily backups.

Examples of usage

  • She codes in multiple programming languages.
  • He coded a new feature for the app.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'code' comes from the Latin word 'codex', which means a book made of sheets of paper.
  • Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians, used coded messages for communication, often in hieroglyphics.
  • The first known code in history is the Hammurabi Code from Babylon, one of the oldest deciphered writings.

Pop Culture

  • The popular film 'The Imitation Game' highlights how codes were broken during World War II, showing the importance of encoding messages.
  • In video games, 'codes' often unlock hidden features or cheats, making players feel like secret agents.
  • Codes are central to many spy movies, emphasizing the thrill of deciphering secret information.

Science

  • In genetics, DNA is sometimes referred to as a 'code' because it carries information needed to build living organisms.
  • Computer programming languages like Python and C++ use codes to instruct computers on how to perform tasks.
  • The process of encoding and decoding is essential in cybersecurity, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Linguistics

  • Codes can also refer to different social languages, like how teenagers might use slang that older generations donโ€™t understand.
  • The study of language includes 'code-switching', where speakers alternate between languages or dialects within a conversation.
  • In critical theory, codes are discussed as dominant modes of communication that can shape public discourse and power structures.

Psychology

  • Understanding codes can be linked to cognitive skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, as it requires deciphering patterns.
  • In psychology, the 'code' can represent unconscious thoughts or feelings that influence behavior, much like hidden messages.
  • The way people interpret codes can vary greatly, influenced by their background, experiences, and context.

Origin of 'codes'

The word 'codes' originated from the Latin word 'codex', which means a book or a set of written laws. Over time, the term evolved to refer to various systems of symbols or rules used for communication, programming, or legal purposes. The use of codes has been essential in diverse fields such as cryptography, computer science, and law.


See also: codebase, codebreaker, codebreaking, coded, coder, coders, coding, decode, encode.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,474, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.