code generation
compound.compound. the process where a computer program automatically writes or creates software code. It helps developers work faster by doing the repetitive parts of programming for them.
compound. the automated process of producing source code or machine code from a higher-level representation, such as a model, a database schema, or a natural language prompt. Often used in the context of compilers or artificial intelligence tools.
The new AI tool makes code generation much faster for developers.
Modern software frameworks often use automatic code generation to create the basic structure of a website, saving hours of manual typing.
While code generation significantly accelerates the development lifecycle, engineers must still perform rigorous manual reviews to ensure the resulting output adheres to security standards and architectural patterns.
A compound term formed from the noun code, derived via French from the Latin codex, and generation, from the Latin generatio. It emerged in technical literature during the mid-20th century to describe the automated output of a compiler.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Typically functions as an uncountable compound noun in technical contexts.
Last updated July 22, 2026