Placeholders Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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placeholders

[ˈpleɪsˌhəʊldərz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in programming

Placeholders are symbols or characters that are used as a substitute for real data when creating templates or mock-ups.

Synonyms

dummy data, mock data, substitute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
placeholders	Use this word when referring to a temporary symbol or text used to reserve a space in a document or design until actual content is available. The designer used placeholders to show where the images would be placed. Please replace the placeholders with the final text before printing.
dummy data	This term is best used in the context of testing software, where fictitious or fake data is used to trial functionality or simulate real-world scenarios. We populated the database with dummy data to test the application. The dummy data in the spreadsheet helped us understand how the final report would look.
mock data	Similar to dummy data, mock data is often used in testing environments. However, it can also imply more realistic or structured data that mimics actual user data. The mock data we used mimics the real user profiles we expect to manage. The API returns mock data during development to ensure that everything works correctly.
substitute	This word applies when something is replaced with another, often temporarily or in the absence of the original item. You can use almond milk as a substitute for regular milk in this recipe. The teacher is out sick, so a substitute will be taking the class today.

Examples of usage

Please replace the placeholders with actual content before finalizing the design.
The placeholders in the code will be dynamically filled with user input.
Make sure to update the placeholders with the correct values.
Using placeholders can help speed up the development process.
Without placeholders, it would be difficult to visualize the final output.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a physical space

Placeholders refer to temporary markers or objects used to reserve a spot for something that will be placed there later.

Synonyms

indicators, markers, reservations.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
placeholders	Used when referring to temporary or generic objects used to reserve a space or to indicate that something else will be placed there in the future. We used placeholders in the document which we will replace with actual data later. The designer added text placeholders to the website for future content.
markers	Used in contexts where something is used to mark or distinguish something else, such as a point, location, or boundary. The markers on the trail helped us find our way through the forest. We need to set up markers to indicate where the new fence will go.
indicators	Employed when referencing signs or signals that show the state or level of something. Economic indicators suggest that the market is improving. The flashing light serves as an indicator that the machine is working.
reservations	Refers to arrangements made in advance to secure a service or space, such as a table at a restaurant or a room in a hotel. It may also refer to doubts or concerns about something, often used in a negative tone. I made a reservation for two at the new Italian restaurant. She has reservations about the effectiveness of the new policy.

Examples of usage

The placeholders for the sculptures were set up in the empty gallery.
Please remove the placeholders once the actual items arrive.
The placeholders on the table indicated where each guest should sit.
The placeholders helped to plan the layout of the room effectively.
Using placeholders can prevent confusion during setup.

Translations

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

Origin of 'placeholders'

The term 'placeholder' originated from the verb 'placehold', which was first recorded in the 1920s. It became popular in the fields of design and programming as a way to indicate temporary data or objects. The concept of placeholders has since been widely adopted in various industries to facilitate the organization and visualization of information.