A computer program that processes input data before it is passed to the main program or compiler. In programming, it handles directives and macros before compilation begins.
Compound word from prefix 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'processor' from Latin processus meaning 'advance, progress.' Term emerged in computing in the 1960s as programming languages became more sophisticated.
The C preprocessor revolutionized programming by allowing code to be written once and adapted for different systems through macros and conditional compilation. It's like having a smart assistant that prepares your code before the real work begins!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.