snippet

A snippet is a small piece or brief extract taken from a larger text, dataset, or media object. It is used to convey essential information concisely, to illustrate a point, or to enable reuse without presenting the entire content. The form and purpose of a snippet vary by domain, but the core idea remains concise selection.

In computing, a code snippet is a short, reusable block of source code that demonstrates a technique, implements a function, or provides a ready-to-run example. Developers use snippet libraries or managers to organize and share these fragments. Code snippets often include syntax highlighting and may be embedded in tutorials, documentation, or collaborative platforms to speed up learning and development.

In information retrieval and publishing, a text snippet denotes the portion of a document shown as a search result preview or as a quotation. Search engines display snippets to summarize page content, and some features aim to provide direct answers within the results, known as featured snippets. Snippets can be generated automatically from page content or supplied by authors through metadata or descriptions.

Snippets are also common in media, where a video or audio snippet refers to a short clip used for sampling, promotion, or analysis. Across contexts, snippets serve to provide quick access, facilitate discovery, and enable reuse of smaller, transferable pieces of larger material.

Etymology traces the word to snip, meaning to cut off a small piece, with usage attested from early modern English.