copysemantics

noun

UK /ˈkɒpi sɪˈmæntɪks/

US /ˈkɑːpi sɪˈmæntɪks/

Copy semantics is the set of rules for how a computer makes a copy of something.

In many programming languages, copy semantics decide whether two variables share the same data or get their own separate copies.

SYNONYMS

copy behavior duplication rules copying rules clone semantics

RELATED WORDS

move semantics deep copy shallow copy value semantics reference semantics

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The study of how the meaning of a copied message or text changes when it is reproduced.

The linguist examined the copy semantics of the handwritten manuscript.

3. In programming, the behavior that determines whether a copy is independent of the original object.

The bug appeared because the class had broken copy semantics and both objects pointed to the same buffer.

4. The conventions that govern how copies of data are interpreted in a system.

The database team documented the copy semantics for replicated records.