|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
interface
interface
1. A common boundary between two systems, devices, or programs. 2. The signal connection and associated control circuits that are used to connect devices. See also standard interface. 3. Specification of the communication between two program units. For example, if a procedure does not refer to nonlocal variables, its interface is defined by the parameter list. Careful definition of interfaces makes it possible to use a program unit without knowledge of its internal working, and is vital to the design of a system that is to be implemented by a team of programmers. The concept is an important feature of Ada; in Ada a package is defined in two parts, the interface and the body. The interface specifies exactly what identifiers are visible outside the package, and is sufficient to permit separate compilation of program units that use the package. Similar facilities are found in most modern programming languages and they are essential features of object-oriented languages such as C++ and Java. 4. To provide an interface. 5. To interact. |
|
|
Cite this article
JOHN DAINTITH. "interface." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN DAINTITH. "interface." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-interface.html JOHN DAINTITH. "interface." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-interface.html |
|
interface
in·ter·face / ˈintərˌfās/ • n. 1. a point where two systems, subjects, organizations, etc., meet and interact: the interface between accountancy and the law. ∎ chiefly Physics a surface forming a common boundary between two portions of matter or space, e.g., between two immiscible liquids: the surface tension of a liquid at its air/liquid interface. 2. Comput. a device or program enabling a user to communicate with a computer. ∎ a device or program for connecting two items of hardware or software so that they can be operated jointly or communicate with each other. • v. [intr.] (interface with) 1. interact with (another system, person, organization, etc.): his goal is to get people interfacing with each other. 2. Comput. connect with (another computer or piece of equipment) by an interface. |
|
|
Cite this article
"interface." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "interface." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-interface.html "interface." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-interface.html |
|
interface
interface Way that a computer program or system interacts with its user. The simplest form of computer interface is the keyboard, through which the user controls the computer by typing in commands. The most common type for personal computers is the graphical user interface (GUI).
|
|
|
Cite this article
"interface." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "interface." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-interface.html "interface." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-interface.html |
|
interface
interface
1. A device which connects two machines and allows them to communicate with one another. The term is used most commonly in respect of equipment linked to a computer. 2. The boundary between two substances that have different properties. See also HORIZON. |
|
|
Cite this article
AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "interface." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "interface." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-interface.html AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "interface." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-interface.html |
|
interface
interface •abase, ace, apace, backspace, base, bass, brace, case, chase, dace, efface, embrace, encase, enchase, enlace, face, grace, interlace, interspace, in-your-face, lace, mace, misplace, outface, outpace, pace, place, plaice, race, space, Thrace, trace, upper case
•airbase • freebase • wheelbase
•database • steeplechase • paperchase
•paleface • typeface • whiteface
•boldface • coalface • interface
•staircase • briefcase • slipcase
•packing case • doorcase • showcase
•notecase • pillowcase • suitcase
•bookcase • nutcase • marketplace
•anyplace • everyplace • showplace
•shoelace • bootlace • someplace
•Lovelace • fireplace • commonplace
•workplace • birthplace • tenace
•airspace • aerospace • hyperspace
•carapace • workspace • ratrace
•millrace • Fuentes • rosace
|
|
|
Cite this article
"interface." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "interface." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-interface.html "interface." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-interface.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
