Endpointwise

Endpointwise refers to a method or operation that is applied to each individual endpoint within a system. An endpoint, in computing, is a point of communication or interaction for a network service. This could be a specific URL for a web service, a port number on a server, or a particular device connected to a network. When something is done endpointwise, it means that the action is taken on each of these distinct points of interaction independently, rather than as a collective whole.

For example, in network management, an administrator might apply a security policy endpointwise. This would involve configuring the policy on each server, router, or client device that acts as an endpoint. Similarly, in software development, an API might be designed to process requests endpointwise, meaning each specific API endpoint (e.g., /users, /products) handles its own distinct set of operations and data. This granular approach allows for precise control and customization.

The term is often used to distinguish from methods that might apply to the entire system at once or to groups of endpoints. Endpointwise operations can be crucial for managing complex systems, ensuring security, and optimizing performance by addressing the specific characteristics of each connection point. It emphasizes a bottom-up or distributed approach to management and configuration.