TTY: meaning, definitions and examples
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TTY
[ tiː tiː waɪ ]
computer systems
TTY stands for 'teletypewriter', which refers to devices used for communication in the early days of computing and telecommunications. They allowed users to send and receive information over phone lines, often used for remote access to computer systems.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I accessed the mainframe through a TTY interface.
- The technician repaired the old TTY connector.
- Many vintage enthusiasts enjoy collecting TTY machines.
computer communication
In computing, TTY is often used to refer to a terminal interface on Unix-like operating systems. It describes the interaction between users and the system through text-based commands.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I opened a new TTY session to run the script.
- You can configure your TTY settings in the terminal.
- The TTY device allows for efficient command-line operations.
Etymology
The term TTY originated from the early 20th century when teletypes were first developed. These devices were a form of telecommunication technology that combined typewriter-like mechanisms with telegraph systems, enabling the transmission of typed messages over long distances. As computing evolved, TTYs became integral to computer systems, allowing users to interact with machines using a simple text interface. The abbreviation has since been adopted in various technical contexts, especially in Unix and Linux environments, where it denotes terminal devices that facilitate user interaction with the operating system. This evolution reflects the historical transition from analog to digital communication and the lasting impact of early telecommunication technology on modern computing.