absolute filenameA filename whose full path is unambiguously given starting from the top (root) of a file system tree. For instance c:\Java\bin\javac.
abstractA Java keyword used in a class definition to specify that a class is not to be instantiated, but rather inherited by other classes.
abstract classA class with the abstract reserved word in its header. Abstract classes are distinguished by the fact that you may not directly construct objects from…
abstract methodA method with the abstract reserved word in its header. An abstract method has no method body. Methods defined in an interface are always abstract.
abstract schemaThe part of an entity bean's deployment descriptor that defines the bean's persistent fields and relationships.
Abstract Window Toolkit (AWT)A collection of graphical user interface (GUI) components that were implemented using native-platform versions of the components.
AbstractionAbstraction involves changing the interface of an object and exposing it in a more useful or appropriate form.
access controlThe mechanisms for limiting access to certain information based on a user's identity and membership in various predefined groups.
accessor methodA method specifically designed to provide access to a private attribute of a class.
ACIDA solution that has an excess of hydrogen ions (H+).
activationThe process of converting a storage group copy to a production storage group. Local continuous replication (LCR) and standby continuous replication (SCR)…
actual argumentThe value of an argument passed to a method from outside the method. When a method is called, the actual argument values are copied into the corresponding…
actual parameter listThe arguments specified in a particular method call. See also formal parameter list.
address spaceAddress information that identifies a message and its route. [Exchange 5.5]
AgentAgent means any individual, other than a broker-dealer, who represents a broker-dealer or issuer in effecting or attempting to effect purchases or sales…
aggregationA ground for rejection of a patent claim that is based on a lack of cooperation among the elements of an invention. MPEP 2173.05(k).
aliasesMultiple references to a single object. Messages may be sent to the object via any of its aliases. A resulting state change will be detectable by all.
anonymous accessA type of access that allows users and servers to access a server without first authenticating with it.
anonymous arrayAn array created without an identifier. An anonymous array is usually created as an actual argument, for instance // Create an anonymous array of integers.
anonymous classAn unnamed class. When restrictions are used to describe classes, they actually specify anonymous superclasses of the class being described.
anonymous objectAn object created without an identifier. They are usually created as array elements, actual arguments or method results.
API (Application Programming Interface)A set of functions that gives programmers access to another application's internal features from within their own application.
append modeA file writing mode, in which the existing contents of a file are retained when the file is opened. New contents are appended to the existing.
appletApplets are Java programs based around the Applet or JApplet classes. They are most closely associated with the ability to provide active content within…
applet containerA container that includes support for the applet programming model.
ApplicationUnder the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), an oral or written request for an extension of credit that is made in accordance with the procedures…
application assemblerA person who combines J2EE components and modules into deployable application units.
application clientA first-tier J2EE client component that executes in its own Java virtual machine. Application clients have access to some J2EE platform APIs.
application client moduleA software unit that consists of one or more classes and an application client deployment descriptor.
application component providerA vendor that provides the Java classes that implement components' methods, JSP page definitions, and any required deployment descriptors.
application configuration resource fileAn XML file used to configure resources for a JavaServer Faces application, to define navigation rules for the application, and to register converters…
Application programming interface (API)A set of definitions that you can make use of in writing programs. In the context of Java, these are the packages, classes, and interfaces that can be…
archivingreducing the strain of storing data by backing it up, removing it from its native environment, and storing it elsewhere. [...
argumentInformation passed to a method. Arguments are also sometimes called parameters.
arithmetic expressionAn expression involving numerical values of integer or floating point types. For instance, operators such as +, -, *, / and % take arithmetic expressions…
arithmetic operatorOperators, such as +, -, *, / and %, that produce a numerical result, as part of an arithmetic expression.
arrayAn Array is a single server type used for horizontal scaling. It may be a single worker slave task plugged into our Grid system to scale based on the…
array initializerAn initializer for an array. The initializer takes the place of separate creation and initialization steps.
asantA Java-based build tool that can be extended using Java classes. The configuration files are XML-based, calling out a target tree where various tasks get…
ASCIIAn acronym for American Standard Code that allocates a number to each key on the keyboard and that can be traded and read by most computer systems.
assemblerThe program used to translate a program written in assembly language into the binary form of a particular instruction set.
assembly languageA symbolic language corresponding closely to the instruction set of a Central Processing Unit.
assignment operatorThe operator (=) used to store the value of an expression into a variable, for instance variable = expression; The right-hand-side is completely evaluated…
atomicRefers to an operation that is never interrupted or left in an incomplete state under any circumstance.
attributeAn attribute is a characteristic of data that sets it apart from other data, such as location, length, or type.
authenticationThe process of validating the credentials of a person, computer process, or device.
AuthorizationThe issuance of approval, by a credit card issuer, merchant, or other affiliate, to complete a credit card transaction.
authorization constraintAn authorization rule that determines who is permitted to access a Web resource collection.
autoboxingAutomatic conversion between reference and primitive types.
AWT (Abstract Windowing Toolkit)The Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) provides a collection of classes that simplify the creation of applications with graphical user interfaces.