Declarative programming

/dɪˈklærətɪv ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/ noun phrase

Definition

A programming paradigm that expresses the logic of computation without describing its control flow, focusing on what should be accomplished rather than how. The program declares the desired result and lets the system figure out the execution steps.

Etymology

From Latin 'declarare' meaning to make clear or announce. The term emerged in the 1970s to contrast with imperative programming, emphasizing the declaration of facts and rules rather than explicit instructions.

Kelly Says

Declarative programming is like ordering at a restaurant - you tell the waiter what you want (the result) rather than going into the kitchen and explaining each cooking step! SQL is a perfect example: you declare what data you want, not how to retrieve it.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.