Computability: meaning, definitions and examples
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computability
[ ˌkɒmˌpjuː.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti ]
theory
The quality or state of being computable; the ability to be solved by an algorithm or a computer program.
Synonyms
algorithmic solvability, computational feasibility, solvability.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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computability |
Discussing whether a problem can be solved using a computer through any algorithm and asking if there exists a theoretical computational method.
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solvability |
A general term applicable in any context where the main concern is whether a problem or equation can be solved, not necessarily by a computer.
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algorithmic solvability |
Used when focusing on the existence of a specific algorithm that can solve a problem efficiently.
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computational feasibility |
Concerning whether a problem can be solved within practical limits of time and resources. Typically used in engineering or applied settings.
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Examples of usage
- The computability of certain mathematical problems has been a topic of research for decades.
- Many real-world problems can be reduced to questions of computability.
computing
The extent to which a problem or function can be computationally solved or executed.
Synonyms
algorithmic feasibility, computational solvability, executability.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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computability |
Another mention as it is the same word, sometimes context-specific in different phrases or discussions within academic or technical fields.
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executability |
Refers to whether a specific program or script can be executed or run successfully on a computer, often used in practical or operational contexts.
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algorithmic feasibility |
Focuses on whether a problem can be solved efficiently by an algorithm, considering practical limitations such as time and resources.
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computational solvability |
Often used interchangeably with computability, it places a slight emphasis on the ability to find a solution using computational methods.
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Examples of usage
- Programmers often consider computability when designing algorithms.
- The computability of a problem can impact the efficiency of a program.
Translations
Translations of the word "computability" in other languages:
🇵🇹 computabilidade
🇮🇳 गणनीयता
🇩🇪 Berechenbarkeit
🇮🇩 komputabilitas
🇺🇦 обчислюваність
🇵🇱 obliczalność
🇯🇵 計算可能性
🇫🇷 calculabilité
🇪🇸 computabilidad
🇹🇷 hesaplanabilirlik
🇰🇷 계산 가능성
🇸🇦 قابلية الحساب
🇨🇿 počitatelnost
🇸🇰 počítačnosť
🇨🇳 可计算性
🇸🇮 računljivost
🇮🇸 útreiknanleiki
🇰🇿 есептелушілік
🇬🇪 ანგარიშსწიფობა
🇦🇿 hesablama qabiliyyəti
🇲🇽 computabilidad
Etymology
The concept of computability has deep roots in mathematical logic and computer science. It emerged in the early 20th century with the work of logicians such as Alan Turing and Alonzo Church. Their groundbreaking contributions laid the foundation for understanding what can and cannot be computed by machines. The study of computability has since become a fundamental aspect of theoretical computer science, shaping the development of algorithms and programming languages.
See also: computable, computation, computational, compute, computed, computer, computerize, computerizing, computing, miscompute.