resetParameter

resetParameter is a generic term used in software engineering to describe an operation that restores a parameter to its default or initial value within a system, library, or component. It can be implemented as a function, method, command, or API endpoint and is commonly exposed to users and developers to undo overrides or changes.

Purpose and behavior

The primary purpose of resetParameter is to return a parameter to a known baseline state. This often involves selecting a default value from a configuration, schema, or hard-coded baseline, updating the parameter’s current state, and potentially triggering validation, reconfiguration, or downstream updates. Depending on design choices, the operation may be idempotent (repeating it has no additional effect), synchronous, and may or may not persist beyond the current session.

Typical usage

Resetting a single parameter can be done directly on a configuration object or through a dedicated helper function. In user interfaces, a reset action may restore form fields to their initial values. In command-line or script environments, a reset parameter command might accept the parameter name and optionally a scope (local, global, or per-session). Some systems support resetting to system-wide defaults, while others reset to context-specific defaults.

Design considerations

When implementing resetParameter, considerations include scoping (which parameter or group is affected), the source of default values, handling of dependent parameters, side effects on state or persistence layers, and error handling if the parameter is immutable or restricted.

See also

reset, default value, configuration management, state management, idempotence.