Überschreibung

Überschreibung is a German noun formed from überschreiben and has several related meanings depending on the context. The term is feminine: die Überschreibung.

In computing and data handling, Überschreibung denotes overwriting data: new information is written to a storage location that previously held data, replacing the old content. This can occur during software updates, data sanitization, or normal operation. Because overwritten data is typically not recoverable by ordinary means, Überschreibung is also relevant to data deletion and security practices, where specific procedures may be required to ensure erasure.

In programming, Überschreibung describes method overriding: a subclass provides a new implementation of a method defined in a base class. This enables polymorphic behavior, allowing derived classes to customize or extend the functionality of inherited methods. Überschreibung is distinct from overloading, where multiple methods share the same name but differ in parameters.

In legal contexts, particularly in German-speaking jurisdictions, Überschreibung can refer to the transfer or assignment of ownership or other rights. The term may appear in descriptions of title transfer or inscription of rights in a registry. Such transfers typically require a formal act, and in many cases may involve notarial execution and registration to effectuate the change of holder.

Overall, Überschreibung is context-specific and can relate to writing over existing content, changing the implementation of a procedure in software, or transferring rights or ownership in legal practice.