Flyweight Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🪶
flyweight
[ˈflaɪˌweɪt ]
Definitions
software design
A flyweight is a design pattern used in software engineering to minimize memory usage by sharing common parts of state among multiple objects. It is particularly useful in scenarios where a large number of objects may share the same data, reducing overhead and improving performance.
Synonyms
memory-efficient object, shared object.
Examples of usage
- The flyweight pattern is often used in graphics rendering.
- By implementing a flyweight, the application reduced memory consumption significantly.
- The flyweight approach allowed the game to handle thousands of entities efficiently.
weight category
In a more general sense, 'flyweight' can also refer to a very lightweight object or entity. This usage might apply in various contexts to denote something that is very light in weight.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The flyweight design of this bicycle makes it easy to carry.
- His flyweight physique made him agile in the ring.
- The team prefers flyweight gear for long hikes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- The flyweight division in boxing is one of the lightest weight classes, allowing for quicker and more agile fighters.
- In addition to boxing, flyweight is also a category in mixed martial arts (MMA), showcasing fighters who are lighter and often faster.
- Notable flyweight champions include Muhammad Ali, who at his lightest weight during his career fought in the light heavyweight division but supported the existence of lighter classes.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, flyweight boxing matches are celebrated for their speed and agility, often attracting enthusiastic fans who enjoy high-energy performances.
- Countries like Japan have a rich history in flyweight boxing, producing numerous champions and nurturing a vibrant competitive scene.
Health and Fitness
- Fighters in the flyweight category often engage in rigorous training routines to maintain their weight class, focusing on cardio and agility.
- Maintaining a flyweight body requires a diet rich in nutrients to support the energy demands of fast-paced training and competition.
Comparative Analysis
- Flyweight boxers are generally faster than heavier weight classes, allowing them to use their speed to evade punches and deliver quick counters.
- The comparison between flyweights and heavier classes highlights unique fighting styles, with lighter fighters often relying on technique and movement.
Origin of 'flyweight'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'flyweight' originates from the late 19th century, combining 'fly,' meaning small or light, and 'weight' from the category of weight classes in sports.
- The prefix 'fly' is thought to be derived from the old English term 'flea,' which also refers to smallness, underscoring the light physicality of fighters in this class.
The term 'flyweight' originates from the boxing and sports arena, where it describes the lowest weight class in boxing, where fighters weigh no more than 112 pounds. The word is a compound of 'fly', which can mean 'light' or 'to soar', and 'weight', referring to the heaviness or mass of an object. Over time, its usage expanded beyond sports, particularly into software engineering during the 1990s. The Flyweight pattern was formally introduced in the book 'Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software' by Gamma et al. in 1994. This design pattern emphasizes reducing memory usage when dealing with large numbers of objects, making it beneficial for applications requiring extensive resources. The adaptation of 'flyweight' in design parlance reflects the original boxing term's emphasis on efficiency, agility, and minimalism.