firstgeneration

First generation is a generic label used to describe the initial form, version, or group in a sequence. It is commonly applied across different fields to distinguish the earliest instance from later iterations or descendants. The exact meaning depends on context, and the term is often shortened in practice to G1, Gen 1, or Gen-1.

In sociology and demography, first-generation usually refers to people who were born outside their country of residence and later immigrated there. The second generation typically comprises individuals born in the country to at least one immigrant parent. Some studies use 1.5 generation for those who immigrated during childhood, capturing a transitional experience between generations. Definitions can vary by country and research context.

In technology and product development, first generation denotes the original version released to the public. This version typically establishes core concepts and features, with subsequent generations (second, third, etc.) offering improvements, refinements, or new capabilities. Historical examples include early computing systems and initial consumer electronics, which often differ markedly from later generations in performance and design philosophy.

In other domains, first generation may describe the starting lineage of a product line, a breeding or development phase in science, or the initial stage of a process. The term emphasizes origin and primacy within a series rather than quality or maturity.

Note that usage varies by field and community conventions. When encountering the term, clarifying the specific domain, the subject (people, devices, or products), and the intended generation numbering helps avoid ambiguity.