metaprogramming

noun

UK /ˌmetəprəʊˈɡræmɪŋ/

US /ˌmetəproʊˈɡræmɪŋ/

Metaprogramming is when a computer program writes or changes other programs by itself.

The team used metaprogramming to make the code write its own helper functions.

SYNONYMS

code generation program synthesis reflection self-modifying code

RELATED WORDS

macro compiler template reflection code generation

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Writing programs that treat other programs as data they can read and change.

In Lisp, metaprogramming lets a program build new code while it runs.

3. Using macros to generate repetitive code automatically.

C programmers use metaprogramming with macros to avoid typing the same lines.

4. A technique where a program inspects its own structure at runtime.

Ruby's metaprogramming lets objects define new methods on the fly.