kodenavn

Kodenavn, or codename, is an alias used to refer to a person, project, operation, or product during development or while its identity is being protected. It serves to conceal or delay disclosure, simplify discussion, and avoid prematurely exposing sensitive information. The term is used in Danish and Norwegian as kodenavn and is commonly explained in English as codename. Codenames are usually temporary, with the final public name chosen later.

In military and intelligence contexts, codenames designate operations, units, or agents. They aim to prevent unauthorized inference about objectives, timing, or participants from the name itself, and may be selected to mislead or obfuscate. In many cases, codenames are retired after the operation.

In technology and product development, teams use codenames to label software, hardware, or internal projects. This helps coordinate worldwide teams, protect intellectual property, and avoid accidental disclosure. Some codenames become official product names, while others stay internal or are publicly revealed only after launch. Notable patterns include Android’s dessert-themed releases in the 2000s and 2010s, or Ubuntu’s animal-named releases, among others.

In popular culture and media, codenames are used for film, game development, and marketing campaigns to manage spoilers and production logistics. They can draw on geography, animals, literature, or purely arbitrary strings.

Etymology: codename is composed of code and name, reflecting its role as a temporary, often security-focused identifier before a final designation is assigned.