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Boolean logic

Boolean logic

5.7
A set of simple rules that uses true and false to make decisions
  • noun
  • /ˈbuːliən ˈlɒdʒɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lógica booleana
  • Many, but not all, search engines use Boolean logic, and phrases or "operators" such as "but not" can become part of the search string, and specific time periods can be delimited.

Examples

  • Software functions include Boolean logic, math functions, user-defined variables, nested subroutines, conditional branching, and hold and transfer execution statements.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Boolean algebra is used to develop Boolean logic.

    Academic text (2008)
  • The button sequence is based on Boolean logic that can be expressed in a "truth table" such as the one described earlier.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Simply put, Boolean logic is the algebraic interpretation of truth tables.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Using Boolean logic allows programmers to create more efficient code that evaluates conditions as either true or false.

  • Many computer scientists depend on Boolean logic to establish rules that govern complex data operations.

  • In many programming languages, Boolean logic is crucial for writing conditional statements that guide the flow of a program.

Synonyms

Boolean algebra
vsBoolean logic
  • Specialized
6.1

A part of math where values are only true or false and are used in logic and computers

focuses on a symbolic system for manipulating truth values in computing and circuits
propositional logic
vsBoolean logic
  • Specialized
8.9

A study of sentences that are true or false using words like and, not

is more about applying true false manipulation to technical and circuit contexts

Surface Forms

Boolean logic singular

Morphology

Boolean + logic

The phrase is compositionally an adjective+noun: 'Boolean' qualifies the kind of 'logic', so a learner who knows the constituents can infer it is a type of logic related to Boolean/Boole. However, the precise technical sense (true/false values, logical operators) depends on domain knowledge of Boolean algebra and is not predictable for a B1 learner, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Boolean logic is named after George Boole, who long ago made a simple way to work with yes/no ideas. He pictured thinking like switches that are either 'true' or 'false', and that image explains why today Boolean logic means the system used in math and computers to handle 'true' and 'false' values.