The reserve word, sometimes called a reserved word, is a word that has a special meaning in programming languages. Its spelling is pronounced as rɪˈzɜːv wɜːd, with the emphasis on the first syllable of both words. The letter "s" in "reserve" and "d" in "word" are both pronounced as voiced consonants, meaning a vibration in the vocal cords is felt. This term is frequently used in programming, where certain words are set aside and cannot be used as variable names or identifiers.
A reserve word, also known as a reserved word or keyword, refers to a term or identifier in a programming language that is predetermined and reserved for a specific purpose. These words are predefined by a language's syntax and have special meanings or functionalities within the programming context.
Typically, reserve words cannot be used as variable names, function names, or any other user-defined identifiers. They are exclusively reserved for system-defined operations, language constructs, or control flow statements. The primary role of reserve words is to establish a set of fundamental building blocks in a programming language by providing essential functionalities or implementing necessary operations.
Reserve words are often associated with a particular syntax or grammar rule of a programming language and play a crucial role in ensuring the proper interpretation and execution of code. They are commonly used to define control structures like loops and conditionals, data types and declarations, object-oriented concepts, and other crucial elements required for program execution.
Due to their predefined nature and reserved status, reserve words cannot be redefined or modified by programmers, ensuring uniformity and consistency across different codebases and programming environments. The exact set of reserve words varies between programming languages, and it is essential for developers to become familiar with and adhere to the reserve word rules of the language they are using to avoid syntax errors and misunderstandings.
The term "reserve word" does not have a specific etymology because it is a combination of two separate words: "reserve" and "word".
The word "reserve" comes from the Latin word "reservare", meaning "to keep back, to save, to preserve". It entered the English language in the 15th century and originally referred to the action of keeping something reserved or saved for a particular purpose.
The word "word" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language. It has been used in various forms and meanings throughout history, but generally refers to a unit of language that carries meaning.
When the two words are combined to form "reserve word", it typically refers to an identifier or keyword that is reserved or set aside by a programming language or system for specific purposes, such as for defining syntax or carrying out certain operations.