code

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   A system of letters, numbers or symbols used to keep a message secret or to represent information in a shorter or different form.

   Grammar: Countable for a particular system: a secret code. Uncountable as a general idea: the message was written in code.

   Patterns

   • in code
   • crack the code
   • a code for something

   The spies sent their messages in code.

   Each product has a code printed on the label.

   She finally cracked the code and read the letter.

2. 2noununcountablecomputing

   Instructions written in a programming language that tell a computer what to do.

   Grammar: Uncountable: a lot of code, not many codes.

   Patterns

   • write code
   • a piece of code
   • source code

   He writes code for a small software company.

   The bug was hidden in a single line of code.

   Anyone can read the open-source code on the website.

3. 3nouncountable

   A set of rules or standards for behavior, or a collection of laws on a particular subject.

   Grammar: Countable and often followed of: a code of conduct, the penal code.

   Patterns

   • a code of conduct
   • the building code
   • break the code

   The school has a strict dress code.

   Builders must follow the local building code.

   Doctors follow a code of ethics.

4. 4verbtransitive or intransitivecomputing

   To write instructions for a computer, or to convert information into a code.

   Grammar: With an object: code a website. Without one: he codes at night.

   Patterns

   • code something in a language
   • learn to code

   She coded the game in a weekend.

   My brother is learning to code.

   The data were coded so that names could not be seen.

Word forms

Common combinations

crack the code

Mathematicians worked for years to crack the code.

source code

Programmers can edit the source code of the program.

dress code

The restaurant has a smart dress code.

zip code

Please enter your zip code to find nearby stores.

code of conduct

Employees must follow the company's code of conduct.

QR code

Scan the QR code to see the menu.

Synonyms and how they differ

cipher

A cipher replaces individual letters or symbols by a rule, while code is the wider word and can also mean replacing whole words.

programming

Programming names the activity of writing software, whereas code is the text produced.

rules

Rules is a plain everyday word, while code sounds more formal and suggests an organized, written set of principles.

regulations

Regulations are official rules from an authority, while a code may also be a voluntary set of standards.

Word family

coder noun

A person who writes computer code

coding noun

The activity of writing computer code

decode verb

To turn a coded message into plain language

encode verb

To turn information into a code

codify verb

To arrange rules into a formal system

Commonly confused: code or coat? code or cod?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “code”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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