in-place
UK[ˌɪn ˈpleɪs]US[ˌɪn ˈpleɪs]
adj
Used to describe an operation or process that is carried out using the existing data structure or location, without creating a separate copy.
adj
Used to describe something that is situated in its proper or intended position.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
place
in
in
place
location
Etymology
The compound adjective "in-place" is a transparent combination of the common English preposition "in" and the noun "place." Its literal meaning, "in the correct or intended location," dates back to general usage. In the mid-20th century, specifically within computer science, this literal sense was metaphorically extended. An "in-place" algorithm is logically conceived as operating directly within the existing memory "place" or data structure, without needing to move or copy the data to a new "place." This technical usage elegantly applies the spatial logic of the original words to an abstract computational process, emphasizing efficiency and direct modification.
Analysis
Structure: in (in) + place (location)
- in: A preposition of Old English origin, from Proto-Germanic in, meaning "in, into, within."
- place: A noun of Old French origin (from Latin platea, "broad street, open space"), ultimately from Greek plateia (hodos), "broad (way)." It functions as the core noun denoting a specific location or position.
Examples
The algorithm sorts the data in-place, saving significant memory.
After the renovation, every ornament was put back in-place.
The update is performed via an in-place upgrade, minimizing system downtime.