Overloading: meaning, definitions and examples
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overloading
[ˌoʊvərˈloʊdɪŋ ]
Definition
technical usage
Overloading refers to a situation where a system or component is subjected to a load beyond its designed capacity. This term is commonly used in various fields, such as engineering and computer science. In programming, it often pertains to the practice of defining multiple functions or methods with the same name but different parameters. Overloading can lead to confusion if not implemented or understood correctly, but when utilized effectively, it enhances flexibility in coding. In the context of electrical engineering, overloading can cause damage to equipment or systems, requiring careful monitoring and management.
Synonyms
excessive load, overburdening, strain.
Examples of usage
- The circuit experienced overloading, causing a blackout.
- The programmer implemented method overloading to improve code readability.
- Overloading the truck beyond its weight limit is hazardous.
- Electrical systems must be designed to prevent overloading scenarios.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term combines 'over' (meaning too much) with 'loading' (the act of adding weight or burden), first used in the early 20th century.
- In English, 'load' has roots in Old English 'lād', which meant a journey or a burden.
Technology
- In computing, overloading refers to a situation where a system has more tasks than it can handle, often leading to crashes.
- Programmers sometimes use function overloading to let a function process different types of data, enhancing flexibility in code.
Physics
- In physics, overloading occurs in structures when the weight exceeds the designed strength, potentially leading to failure.
- Engineers often design bridges to handle more than the expected weight to prevent overloading accidents.
Psychology
- People can experience mental overload when too many demands are placed on their attention, leading to stress and decreased productivity.
- The term 'cognitive overload' describes how too much information can hinder learning and decision-making abilities.
Pop Culture
- In superhero films, characters often face overwhelming tasks or powers that lead to 'overloading' their abilities, showing limits.
- Songs about stress often reference overloading one's mind or life as a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed.
Translations
Translations of the word "overloading" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sobrecarga
🇮🇳 अधिक भार डालना
🇩🇪 Überlastung
🇮🇩 overloading
🇺🇦 перевантаження
🇵🇱 przeciążenie
🇯🇵 オーバーロード
🇫🇷 surcharge
🇪🇸 sobrecarga
🇹🇷 aşırı yükleme
🇰🇷 과부하
🇸🇦 تحميل زائد
🇨🇿 přetížení
🇸🇰 preťaženie
🇨🇳 过载
🇸🇮 preobremenitev
🇮🇸 yfirbelastun
🇰🇿 артық жүктеме
🇬🇪 გაჭარბება
🇦🇿 aşırı yükləmə
🇲🇽 sobrecarga