How Do You Spell KEYPATH?

Pronunciation: [kˈiːpaθ] (IPA)

The word "keypath" is spelled as /ˈkiːpæθ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "kee" with a long "e" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced as "pæθ" with a short "a" sound. The letter "k" at the beginning indicates the sound of "kuh". The "y" is pronounced as "ee" and adds a glide sound after the "k" sound. The "e" in the middle of the word provides a long "e" sound. Finally, the "th" in the end is pronounced as the "th" in "thin".

KEYPATH Meaning and Definition

1. A keypath is a term derived from computer science and object-oriented programming used to describe a specific pathway or sequence of keys that uniquely identify and access a particular value or property within an object or data structure. It represents a concise expression that provides a navigation route to retrieve or set a specific attribute or element from a complex structure.

   In programming languages such as Objective-C, Swift, and JavaScript, a keypath is typically represented as a string or a series of dot-separated keys. These keys can refer to properties, methods, or even nested objects within the structure. By following the keypath, one can access or manipulate the desired value or property without dealing with the complexity of the entire structure.

   Keypaths are particularly useful in scenarios involving data manipulation, sorting, filtering, or querying. They enable developers to refer to specific values or properties using a compact syntax, which enhances readability, maintainability, and reusability of the code. Keypaths are also commonly employed in software frameworks and libraries that provide mechanisms for automatic key-value coding (KVC) or key-value observing (KVO).

   Overall, a keypath is a method to uniquely identify and access a value or property within an object or structure by specifying a series of keys. It simplifies the process of traversing complex data structures and provides a concise syntax for retrieving or manipulating specific elements, making it an essential concept in object-oriented programming.

Etymology of KEYPATH

The word "keypath" is a combination of two terms: "key" and "path".

- "Key" comes from the Old English word "cǣg", which ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "kaigaz". It originally referred to a device used to open or close locks. Over time, "key" has taken on various meanings, including a type of musical instrument, the main explanatory factor, something crucial or essential, or a button on a computer keyboard.

- "Path" comes from the Old English word "paþ", which is also related to the Proto-Germanic word "paþaz". It refers to a route, a way, or a course that one follows to reach a destination.

When combined, "keypath" refers to the specific route or pathway that a key follows, either literally or metaphorically.