Pronunciation: [splˈatɪŋ] (IPA) 
Splatting is spelled as /ˈsplætɪŋ/. This word is derived from the verb "splat", which means to make a loud, wet sound. The "-ing" suffix is added to indicate continuous action. The IPA phonetic transcription of "splatting" shows that it has two syllables with a primary stress on the first syllable (/ˈsplæt/). The "a" vowel sound is pronounced as in the word "cat," while the "t" sound is pronounced with a stoppage of air flow.
Splatting, in the context of computer programming and scripting, refers to a technique that involves the expansion and passing of a collection or list of values as separate arguments to a function or command. It is predominantly used in languages that support dynamic variable length argument lists.
In splatting, a variable or an expression containing multiple values is prefixed with an ellipsis (typically three dots) during the function or command invocation. This tells the interpreter or compiler to treat each value individually and pass them as separate arguments to the receiving function or command. The process of expanding the values is often likened to the act of "splattering" or "spraying" arguments onto the function or command.
This technique proves particularly useful when dealing with function calls that have a varying number of parameters or when a pre-existing list needs to be used as separate arguments. Splatting can simplify code by eliminating the need to manually unpack or loop through each value before passing them individually.
The concept of splatting is commonly utilized in programming languages such as Python, PowerShell, and JavaScript. With splatting, developers can leverage the flexibility and convenience of managing variable length argument sets, thereby enhancing code readability, modularity, and reusability.
The word "splatting" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a relatively new term associated with computer science and video games. "Splat" itself is a sound-effect term that imitates the sound of something hitting or smacking a surface. It is often used to describe a noisy impact or the sound of something being squashed or flattened. "Splatting" is derived from this onomatopoeic word and is used in technology contexts to refer to a rendering technique that involves projecting two-dimensional images onto three-dimensional surfaces. It is commonly used in computer graphics and video game rendering engines to create textures or simulate the appearance of complex materials. However, it is important to note that the term "splatting" may have additional meanings in other fields or contexts.
