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lockstep

lockstep

1 8.2
Two or more computer processors run the same instructions at the same time to check for errors
  • noun
  • /ˈlɑkˌstɛp/
  • Specialized
translation icon : modo lockstep
  • Let's make Bush half as lucky as Clinton and remove the exogenous impacts of 9/11 and the 2001 recession; what can be seen is spending/debt maintained at the incoming low level, and in near lockstep with economic (actual and potential) growth.

Examples

  • The team worked in lockstep to ensure that their strategies were perfectly aligned throughout the project.

  • If the plane reduces engine power and the belt reduces its speed—keeping this engine power-belt speed ratio intact—the plane and the belt can make adjustments in lockstep so that the plane can eventually shut off its engines and the belt can stop moving at just the right time so that the plane will have never moved after both of its wheels were on the belt.

    Blog text (21)
  • The temperature and CO2 concentrations were in lockstep.

    Blog text (15)
  • So we remove the models that fail if when you execute them with the synchronous update rule, that's everything working in lockstep, they fail, right?

  • Compilation techniques (such as those discussed later) allowed MIMD architectures to relax the lockstep semantics of the SIMD model to improve efficiency.

    Academic text (2011)
  • While there is more Democratic supportive fuzzy lip service given, the actions are very GOP-aligned; the real deal is lockstep implementation for lockstep performance by underpaid, non-union protected, disrespected teachers.

    Blog text (29)
  • In lockstep mode, the processors can detect and correct errors by running identical instructions simultaneously.

  • For maximum reliability, the system requires all units to operate in lockstep to ensure consistent performance.

Synonyms

synchronization
vslockstep
  • US
12 4.7

The state of things happening at the same time

is a specific computing mode running identical units together to detect errors

Antonyms

3 7.9

Not happening at the same time, for example a course you study on your own schedule

Idioms

10 6.0

Moving or acting exactly the same as others

How Synchronized

lockstep
  • Specialized
1 8.2
multithreading
  • Specialized
1 4.6
concurrent execution
  • Specialized
6.7

Surface Forms

lockstep singular
locksteps plural

Morphology

lockstep = lock + step (semi-transparent) = lock + step

The compound clearly evokes things moving in exact synchrony, but the precise engineering sense of redundant fault-tolerant parallel execution is specialized.

Etymology

Lockstep comes from the same image of steps 'locking' together, and engineers use the idea for systems where parts run at exactly the same time. So in computing, lockstep means two or more processors execute the same instructions in exact sync to check for errors.