decay

code decay

The tendency for computer software to become gradually worse in performance or responsiveness over time, eventually leading to it becoming completely faulty, unresponsive, or unusable. This is either due to software failing to remain up to date and compatible with the operating system in which it operates, or because the software's code has been updated or altered in ways that have introduced more bugs and errors over time. (It doesn't refer to actual physical decay.) If you want to develop programs that people continue to use for years to come, you've got to factor in ways to avoid code decay with each new update. Otherwise, the users will eventually move on to something that works better. A lot of people just let programs sit on their hard drives for years at a time without being updated or upgraded at all, and then are totally flabbergasted when code decay renders them totally unusable down the line. A: "Any chance you can get my mom's computer running again?" B: "Geez, when was the last time she updated this thing? Looks like there's been some serious code decay."

See also: code, decay

fall into decay

To deteriorate or rot. We inject preservatives to keep the body from falling into decay. The church has really fallen into decay—it will take a lot of time and money to restore it. Ever since the proprietor died, the mansion and lavish gardens have fallen into decay.

See also: decay, fall

software decay

The tendency for computer software to become gradually worse in performance or responsiveness over time, eventually leading to it becoming completely faulty, unresponsive, or unusable. This is either due to software failing to remain up to date and compatible with the operating system in which it operates, or because the software's code has been updated or altered in ways that have introduced more bugs and errors over time. (It doesn't refer to actual physical decay.) If you want to develop programs that people continue to use for years to come, you've got to factor in ways to avoid software decay with each new update, the users will eventually move on to something that works better. A lot of people just let programs sit on their hard drives for years at a time without being updated or upgraded at all, and then are totally flabbergasted when software decay renders them totally unusable down the line.

See also: decay, software

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

fall into decay

to degenerate; to rot. The house was very old and had fallen into decay. The small town fell into decay, and people moved out.

See also: decay, fall

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.