IDEMPOTENT Meaning and
Definition
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The term "idempotent" is used in various fields such as mathematics, computer science, and logic. When referring to an operation or function, idempotent means that applying it multiple times on its input yields the same result as applying it only once.
In mathematics, idempotence is a property typically associated with binary operations. If an operation ∗ is idempotent, then for any element a, a ∗ a = a. This means that performing the operation on an element twice is equivalent to performing it just once.
In computer science, an idempotent operation or function is one that can be safely applied multiple times without changing the state or result beyond the first application. It implies that whether the operation is repeated once or multiple times, the system remains in the same state after the initial execution. Idempotent operations are commonly used in network communications, database systems, and web applications to ensure data consistency and avoid unintended side effects.
For example, in RESTful web services, a GET request is considered idempotent because making multiple identical GET requests to a specific resource yields the same response each time, without causing any changes or mutations on the server-side.
In summary, the adjective "idempotent" characterizes an operation or function that, when applied multiple times, has the same effect as applying it only once, either mathematically or in computer-related contexts.
Etymology of IDEMPOTENT
The word "idempotent" originated from the Latin term "idem" meaning "the same" and the Latin word "potens" meaning "powerful" or "able". The term was first used in mathematics and logic in the mid-20th century to describe an operation or element that remains unchanged after repeated applications.
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