Inline

Inline is an adjective and adverb meaning arranged in a line, aligned along a length, or embedded within something rather than separate.

In computing, inline commonly refers to code where a function or instruction is inserted directly at the point of use. An inline function is intended to reduce the overhead of a function call by substituting the function body at the call site, though the compiler may choose not to inline. Inline code can increase the size of the generated code. The keyword inline exists in several languages (for example C and C++), but modern compilers may apply inlining automatically.

In web development, inline elements are those that flow with text and do not start on a new line. Examples include a, span, and certain image or form elements when styled as inline. Their width and height are determined by content, and CSS can override default display behavior. Inline styles apply directly to elements via the style attribute, affecting only that element’s presentation.

In sports and recreation, inline refers to wheels arranged in a single line, as in inline skates or inline hockey. This design contrasts with traditional skates that have wheels in a non-linear arrangement, and it influences balance, speed, and maneuverability.

In manufacturing, inline production or in-line processes describe sequences where items move continuously from one operation to the next within a single line or workflow, enabling steady throughput and integrated quality checks.

In writing, inline citations or references appear within the text itself, directing readers to sources without interrupting the narrative flow.