hot-swapping

noun

UK /ˈhɒt ˌswɒpɪŋ/

US /ˈhɑːt ˌswɑːpɪŋ/

Changing a part of a machine while it is still turned on.

Hot-swapping the battery let the robot keep working without shutting down.

SYNONYMS

swapping on the fly live replacement swapping while running hot replacement

RELATED WORDS

hardware server battery maintenance plug-and-play

OTHER MEANINGS

2. In computing, replacing a failed disk or component in a running system without downtime.

The server supports hot-swapping of its power supplies.

3. In gaming, switching characters or weapons instantly during play.

Hot-swapping between heroes is a key strategy in that game.

4. Informally, quickly trading or exchanging items among people.

There was a lot of hot-swapping of snacks at lunch.