universalencodingrule

noun
UK /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ɪnˈkəʊdɪŋ ruːl/
US /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsl ɪnˈkoʊdɪŋ ruːl/

A rule that tells how to turn words or symbols into a secret code that everyone can read the same way.

The universalencodingrule made sure every computer could read the message correctly.

SYNONYMS

standard code rulecommon encoding standardshared coding ruleuniform code rule

RELATED WORDS

encodingdecodingcharacter setprotocolstandard

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A shared set of steps for changing information into a form all systems understand.

Programmers followed the universalencodingrule so their files worked on any device.

3. A rule that keeps symbols the same across different languages and machines.

Thanks to the universalencodingrule, the emoji looked the same on every phone.

4. An agreed way to store and send data so nothing gets mixed up.

The team used a universalencodingrule to send secret notes safely.