Einstiegspunkt

Einstiegspunkt is a German noun meaning "entry point" or "starting point." The term is used across many fields to denote the location, moment, or interface from which a process, system, or experience begins.

In technology and software engineering, the entry point of a program is the point at which control passes from the runtime or operating system to the program’s code. In many programming languages the entry point is a designated function, such as main in C and C++, or an initialization routine in managed environments. In binary formats, the executable header can specify the address of the entry point. The concept also applies to modules, plug-ins, or web applications, where an initial function, route, or page serves as the starting point for further execution.

In algorithms and data structures an Einstiegspunkt may refer to a starting node or seed from which an exploration or search begins, for example in graph traversal.

In the field of human–computer interaction and education, the term is used to describe the initial interface or onboarding experience that guides users into a system or learning content.

In geography and transport planning, an Einstiegspunkt can denote a physically accessible entry location to a service, route, or facility.

The term emphasizes the idea of access and initiation; choosing an appropriate Einstiegspunkt can influence usability, performance, and flow of a process.

See also: Einstiegspunkt, entry point, starting point, onboarding.