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scaffolding

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈskæfəɫdɪŋ// UK //skˈæfəʊldɪŋ// scaf·fold·ing

n. a basic structure that helps you start a project quickly. In building, it is the metal frame workers stand on; in software, it is the initial code that a tool creates for you.

n. a temporary framework used to support a structure or provide a base for development. In a technical context, it refers to the automated generation of boilerplate code to expedite the creation of a software application.


SIMPLE

The developer used a tool to generate the database scaffolding.

CONTEXTUAL

By using a scaffolding command, the team created the entire folder structure and basic routing for the new web application in seconds.

COMPLEX

While the generated scaffolding provides a functional skeleton for the project, developers must eventually replace these generic components with custom logic to meet specific business requirements.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Inherited from Middle English scaffaldyng, skaffaldyng, equivalent to scaffold + -ing.

Etymology 2

From scaffold + -ing.

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