changes

Changes refer to the act or process of becoming different from a prior state. Changes can affect properties, conditions, locations, quantities, or relationships. They may be intentional or unintentional, gradual or abrupt, reversible or irreversible, and qualitative or quantitative.

Across disciplines, changes are studied to understand causes, effects, and management. In natural sciences, matter can undergo changes in state or composition through phase transitions and chemical reactions. In physics, a change in a variable over time is described by rates and derivatives. In biology, development, evolution, and adaptation are changes in organisms and ecosystems.

In technology, changes are introduced as updates or revisions. Software development uses change management and version control to track modifications, assess impacts, and coordinate deployment. In engineering, change refers to modifications to design, process, or infrastructure and is governed by change control procedures.

In society, changes in culture, demographics, and institutions result from innovations, policy, and interactions with other communities. In economics and business, changes in prices, demand, technology, or regulation affect decision making and performance.

Change is often analyzed with methods for detection, assessment, and mitigation. Change management seeks to plan, implement, and stabilize transitions while minimizing disruption. Awareness of change helps organizations and individuals adapt effectively.

Notable domains include climate change, which involves long-term shifts in climate patterns, and policy changes, which alter laws and governance.