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Immutability: meaning, definitions and examples

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immutability

 

[ ɪˌmjuːtəˈbɪlɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

computer science

Immutability refers to the property of an object whose state cannot be modified after it is created. In programming, this concept is particularly important in functional programming languages, where immutable data structures help prevent unintended side effects. By ensuring that data cannot be changed, programs can be easier to reason about, test, and debug. Immutable objects can also facilitate concurrent programming by avoiding issues related to shared mutable state.

Synonyms

fixedness, unchangeability

Examples of usage

  • In functional programming, immutability is a key principle.
  • Immutable objects simplify codebase management.
  • Using immutability can enhance software reliability.

Translations

Translations of the word "immutability" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imutabilidade

🇮🇳 अपरिवर्तनीयता

🇩🇪 Unveränderlichkeit

🇮🇩 immutabilitas

🇺🇦 незмінність

🇵🇱 niemutowalność

🇯🇵 不変性

🇫🇷 immutabilité

🇪🇸 inmutabilidad

🇹🇷 değişmezlik

🇰🇷 불변성

🇸🇦 ثبات

🇨🇿 neměnnost

🇸🇰 nemennosť

🇨🇳 不可变性

🇸🇮 nepremostljivost

🇮🇸 óbreytanleiki

🇰🇿 өзгермейтіндік

🇬🇪 მიუკლებელობა

🇦🇿 dəyişməzlik

🇲🇽 inmutabilidad

Etymology

The term 'immutability' is derived from the Latin word 'immutabilis', which means 'unchanging' or 'unfaltering'. The prefix 'im-' denotes negation, while 'mutabilis' comes from 'mutare', meaning 'to change'. The concept has been prevalent in various fields, especially in philosophy and later in programming paradigms. In the context of computer science, the notion of immutability gained traction with the rise of functional programming languages, which prioritize immutability for building more robust and maintainable code. Over the years, as the software development landscape evolved, the principles of immutability have influenced design patterns, data structures, and even database management systems, emphasizing the importance of consistent states.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,454, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.