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one-dimensional language

one-dimensional language

9.9
A computer language where expressions are written as a single line of text
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : lenguaje unidimensional
  • LISP is often cited as an early example of a one-dimensional language in computing.

Examples

  • Some mathematicians prefer using a two-dimensional notation instead of a one-dimensional language for complex formulas.

  • A one-dimensional language can limit the complexity of data representation.

  • Expressions in a one-dimensional language are easy to parse using simple software tools.

  • Python is often considered a one-dimensional language for beginners.

  • Expressions in a one-dimensional language are easy to parse using simple software tools.

  • LISP is often cited as an early example of a one-dimensional language in computing.

  • Some programmers find that working with a one-dimensional language simplifies the coding process.

Antonyms

9.5

A way to write computer instructions where programmers arrange code in more than one direction

How Dimensional

multidimensional language
  • Specialized
9.5
one-dimensional language
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

one-dimensional + language

A B1 learner who knows 'one-dimensional' (literally/sometimes figuratively 'lacking depth') and 'language' will likely infer a meaning like 'a language that is flat or lacks nuance,' so the basic compositional idea is accessible. However, the specific technical computing sense (representing expressions as linear strings) is a domain-specific extension not fully predictable from everyday usage, making the phrase only partially transparent.

Etymology

The term one-dimensional language comes from a simple picture: one-dimensional means a single line and language means a way of writing code. So, it names a programming language where expressions are written on a single line, which is why it means 'expressions written as a single line of text'.