# code coverage

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/code-coverage
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a measurement that shows how much of a computer program's code is actually tested by automated checks. It helps programmers see which parts of their work might still have hidden mistakes.

For teachers: a metric used in software testing to measure the proportion of source code executed during the running of a test suite. It identifies areas of the codebase that have not been validated by automated tests.

## Examples

- The team wants to reach eighty percent code coverage before the launch.
- After running the new tests, the developer noticed that the code coverage for the payment module had increased significantly.
- While high code coverage is a useful indicator of testing thoroughness, it does not guarantee the absence of bugs or the logical correctness of the underlying software architecture.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the code coverages are low" but "the code coverage is low" — Code coverage is an uncountable noun when referring to the metric or measurement.

## Usage notes

- Often used with verbs like 'achieve', 'increase', or 'improve'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.