Timeout: meaning, definitions and examples
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timeout
[ ˈtaɪmaʊt ]
computer systems
A timeout refers to a predetermined period of time during which a computer system or application awaits a response from a resource, such as a user input or a server reply. If the expected reply does not arrive in this timeframe, the system considers it a timeout and may trigger an error or a fallback operation. Timeouts are commonly used in networking and programming to prevent systems from hanging indefinitely. They enhance efficiency by allowing processes to fail gracefully when resources are not available.
Synonyms
cut off, deadline, time limit.
Examples of usage
- The application crashed due to a timeout error.
- You may encounter a timeout if the server is slow to respond.
- Please check your internet connection to avoid a timeout.
- A connection timeout occurred while trying to access the website.
networking
To timeout means to terminate a process or connection when a designated time threshold has been reached without receiving the expected response. In many networking contexts, timing out can occur when there is a loss of communication or when a resource takes too long to respond to a request. This action is critical for maintaining the stability and responsiveness of applications.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The server will timeout if no data is received.
- Your request may timeout if the server is busy.
- I had to timeout the session after waiting too long.
- The connection might timeout due to inactivity.
Translations
Translations of the word "timeout" in other languages:
🇵🇹 tempo limite
🇮🇳 समय समाप्त
🇩🇪 Zeitüberschreitung
🇮🇩 waktu habis
🇺🇦 тайм-аут
🇵🇱 limit czasu
🇯🇵 タイムアウト
🇫🇷 délai d'attente
🇪🇸 tiempo de espera
🇹🇷 zaman aşımı
🇰🇷 시간 초과
🇸🇦 مهلة
🇨🇿 časový limit
🇸🇰 časový limit
🇨🇳 超时
🇸🇮 časovna omejitev
🇮🇸 tími úti
🇰🇿 уақыт аяқталды
🇬🇪 დროის გადაცდომა
🇦🇿 vaxt bitməsi
🇲🇽 tiempo de espera
Etymology
The term 'timeout' originated in the mid-20th century within the context of computing and electronics. The concept represented a controlled period after which an operation would cease to wait for an event, ensuring that resources were released and systems did not hang. The first significant use of the term can be traced back to the development of early programming languages and network protocols, where efficient use of time and resources was paramount. Over time, 'timeout' has emerged in various contexts beyond computing, notably in psychology and education, where it refers to a brief period of suspension or withdrawal as a consequence of behavior. The term has thus evolved to encompass various meanings across different fields, illustrating its versatility and importance in both technical and everyday language.