coding

[koh-ding]

noun

1. Computers.,  the act or process of writing code, or the instructions for a program or piece of software.

   There’s a bit of coding left to do, and then we’ll be ready to beta-test.

   He likes to do the software design, but leaves the actual coding to others.

2. the act or process of expressing a message in words, images, sounds, or any other set of symbols or signs; encoding.

   The secret coding of ship messages hindered rescue efforts during the war.

   In advertising, the coding of your message can make or break your marketing strategy.

3. the act or process of categorizing or identifying a set of things by assigning a code to them.

   Using color coding along with the bin labels will increase the sorting productivity and accuracy of mail clerks.

4. Statistics.,  the act of transforming a random variable into one that is more convenient for certain types of analysis or for the removal of invalid data.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coding¹

First recorded in 1865–70 originally used for telegraphy; code + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The company also offers its own AI models, called Granite, which it said are focused on coding languages like Cobol, which is crucial for mainframe environments.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"It's not just about coding, it's about thinking logically, being creative with technology," she says.

Read more on BBC

Still, the rise of AI could shrink the workforce at certain companies, fueling anxiety among various professions such as screenwriting and coding.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As coding assistants reshape computer science jobs, the university launched a new undergraduate certificate in generative AI for the fall of 2026.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

AI developers use tests known as benchmarks to examine their models' skills in areas such as reasoning or coding.

Read more on BBC