wraparound

Wraparound is a term used in several fields to describe a boundary condition in which values or positions that exceed a fixed limit wrap to the opposite side, rather than stopping at the boundary or repeating. It commonly reflects an underlying modular or cyclic structure.

In mathematics and computer science, wraparound refers to modulo arithmetic. For example, with unsigned integers, adding one to the maximum value yields zero. Similarly, array indices or counters are often updated by taking values modulo the size of the structure.

In data structures, wraparound underpins circular or ring buffers. A head and tail move forward modulo the buffer size, enabling continuous insertion and removal without shifting data.

In spatial modeling and games, wraparound describes a toroidal topology where leaving one edge of the map causes re-entry from the opposite edge. This creates an unbounded feel on a finite grid, as seen in classic arcade games and some strategy titles.

In finance, wraparound mortgages are arrangements that extend new credit over an existing loan, effectively wrapping the old loan into a larger one. Interest and payments may flow through the combined loan, while the original loan remains in force until paid off.

In typography and digital layout, wraparound or text wrap refers to the flow of text around a graphic element, such as an image embedded within a paragraph. The surrounding text reflows to accommodate the graphic.

Wraparound concepts are addressed through boundary conditions, modular arithmetic, topology, or payment structures, depending on the domain.