hardkodede

Hardkodede is a term used in software development to describe values that have been embedded directly into the source code. In Danish and Norwegian usage, hardkodede is the past participle of hardkode, meaning to embed a constant into code.

Definition and examples: A hard-coded value is a literal included in program code rather than retrieved at runtime from configuration, a database, or user input. Examples include a fixed API endpoint, a constant encryption key, or a file path. While simple and fast, hard-coding reduces flexibility and can compromise security if sensitive data is embedded.

Limitations and risks: Hardkodede values are harder to change across environments, complicating deployment and testing. They also create maintenance hazards; changes require code changes, recompilation, and redeployment. Alternatives include externalizing values via configuration files or environment variables, using constants where appropriate, and employing dependency injection or feature flags.

Context and usage: Hardcoding may be acceptable in small scripts or prototyping but is generally discouraged in production code. The term is commonly discussed in software design and security contexts.