data-oriented programming

noun
UK /ˈdeɪ.tə ˈɔː.ri.ən.tɪd ˈprəʊ.ɡræm.ɪŋ/
US /ˈdeɪ.tə ˈɔːr.i.ən.tɪd ˈproʊ.ɡræm.ɪŋ/

A way of writing computer programs that puts the information first and the actions second.

The game studio switched to data-oriented programming so its characters could move faster on screen.

SYNONYMS

data-driven programmingdata-centric codinginformation-first programmingdata-focused design

RELATED WORDS

data structureperformance optimizationmemory layoutentity component systemcache efficiency

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A coding style that groups similar information together in memory to make programs run quickly.

By using data-oriented programming, the team reduced loading times by half.

3. An approach where the shape of the data decides how the code is organized.

In data-oriented programming, you design the tables before you write the functions.

4. A method of building software that separates the data from the operations that use it.

Her lecture explained how data-oriented programming differs from object-oriented design.