read-only variable

noun

UK /ˌriːd ˈəʊnli ˈveəriəbl/

US /ˌriːd ˈoʊnli ˈveriəbl/

A read-only variable is a value in a computer program that you can look at but cannot change.

The program stores the user's ID in a read-only variable so it stays the same all the time.

SYNONYMS

constant immutable variable fixed value unchangeable variable

RELATED WORDS

variable constant immutable assignment data type

OTHER MEANINGS

2. In programming, a variable declared with a modifier that prevents reassignment after it is set.

In JavaScript, a variable declared with const is a read-only variable.

3. A configuration setting that can be viewed but not edited by the user.

The system time is exposed as a read-only variable in the settings panel.

4. A value in a spreadsheet or database that is protected from modification.

The formula result is a read-only variable that updates automatically.