english word · 2026-07-12
idempotent
adjective
Meaning
Describes an operation that can be applied multiple times without changing the result beyond the initial application. In programming, it ensures that repeating a command or request is safe and predictable, much like how pressing an elevator button twice doesn't change your destination.
Etymology
From Latin 'idem' (same) and 'potens' (power).
Examples
"We need to make this API endpoint idempotent so that if the client retries a failed request, we don't accidentally charge the user twice."
"Setting a variable to a specific value is an idempotent operation, whereas incrementing a counter is not."
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