Initialisert

Initialisert is the Norwegian past participle of the verb initialisere and is commonly used in computing to describe something that has been set to a defined starting value. In programming, an initialized variable, object, or data structure has been given a known value at the time it is created or first used. This contrasts with an uninitialized state, where no reliable value is yet defined.

Etymology and usage notes: The term derives from the English initialize, itself rooted in the idea of beginning or starting. In Norwegian technical writing, initialisert is used to indicate that a parameter, field, or resource has been prepared for use, often as part of a declaration or construction process.

In programming practice: Initialization is typically performed at declaration or during runtime setup. Some languages require initialization before use to avoid undefined behavior, while others provide default or zero values for certain types. Examples (illustrative, not exhaustive): int x = 0; in languages like C or C++, String s = "" in Java, and a variable assigned in Python, such as x = 5, is considered initialized from that point onward.

Types and patterns: Initialization can be static (during program startup), dynamic or lazy (when first needed), and may involve zero-initialization, value-initialization, or aggregate initialization for complex data structures. Initialization lists and constructors in object-oriented languages are common mechanisms to ensure objects begin in a usable, well-defined state.

Common considerations: Uninitialized variables can lead to bugs or security issues; initialization order matters, especially with global or dependent objects. Thread-safe or lazy initialization patterns address scenarios where multiple execution paths may initialize a shared resource.

In Norwegian technical contexts, initialisert remains a standard term for confirming that values or states have been established before use.