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Glite Dictionary
utility routine

utility routine

4.9
A small program that does a common task other programs can use
  • noun
  • /juːˈtɪləti ruːˈtiːn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : rutina de utilidad
  • The programmer wrote a utility routine to handle file conversions automatically.

Examples

  • Many libraries include a utility routine for error checking.

  • By using a utility routine, you can automate common coding tasks and save time.

  • By using a utility routine, you can simplify repetitive coding tasks.

  • The utility routine simplifies data processing.

  • She wrote a new utility routine for the software.

  • Many software applications offer a utility routine that helps with data analysis.

  • The developer implemented a utility routine to streamline the backup process.

Synonyms

procedure
vsutility routine
  • Specialized
108 4.1

A part of a computer program that does a specific task

is more reusable and intended to support other applications directly
utility
vsutility routine
  • Specialized
49 4.4

A computer program that does a simple system task

is more like a small callable component for other applications to use
routine
vsutility routine
  • Specialized
16 3.8

A set of computer instructions that does one task

is broader and created for wide reuse across different applications
utility program
vsutility routine
  • Specialized
1 3.8

A computer tool that does system tasks like cleaning files or scanning for viruses

is instead a callable helper used inside other applications
library routine
vsutility routine
  • Specialized
4.9

A small part of a program that many programs use for tasks like sorting

is a general helper function designed for use by many applications
service routine
vsutility routine
  • Specialized
5.5

Part of a program that does a small helper task when needed

is broader, serving many applications rather than a single support task
reusable routine
vsutility routine
  • Specialized
4.4

A small program you load once and use many times without changing it

is a general helper meant to be called by various applications as needed
util
vsutility routine
  • Jargon
8.2

A small computer program that does one simple task

is a general-purpose callable helper used by applications when needed

How Reusable

library routine
  • Specialized
4.9
utility routine
  • Specialized
4.9
one-off
8 5.6

Surface Forms

utility routine singular
utility routines plural

Morphology

utility + routine

The noun–noun compound is transparently compositional: 'utility' (a support program) combined with 'routine' (a set of program instructions) straightforwardly denotes a general-purpose program or function that performs a common task. This follows normal English compounding patterns and is predictable from the constituents, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Utility routine comes from a simple image: utility is like a handy tool you use often, and routine is a fixed set of steps you follow. So, utility routine means 'a general program that does a common task and can be used by other programs'.