directive
n. countablen. an official order or instruction that tells you what to do. It is common in business, government, or when using computer software.
n. an official instruction or authoritative order issued by a central body or authority. In technical contexts, it refers to a specific command that guides the behavior of a compiler or software system.
The manager issued a new directive about office safety.
The European Union issued a directive requiring all member states to reduce plastic waste by the end of the decade.
In software development, a compiler directive provides specific instructions on how to process the source code, though it does not necessarily translate into executable machine instructions.
From Middle French directif. The noun senses are from French directive (feminine form of the adjective).
Commonly paired with the verb 'issue' or 'follow'.