Operator (computer programming)
construct used in computer programming, often associated to a mathematical operation
In computer programming, an operator is a programming language construct that provides functionality that may not be possible to define as a user-defined function (e.g. sizeof in C) or has syntax different from that of a function (e.g. infix addition as in a+b). Like other programming language concepts, operator has a generally accepted, although debatable, meaning among practitioners.
Some operators are represented with symbols – characters typically not allowed for a function identifier – to allow for presentation that is more familiar looking than typical function syntax. For example, a function that tests for greater-than could be named gt, but many languages provide an infix symbolic operator so that code looks more familiar. For example, this:
if gt(x, y) then return
Can be:
if x > y then return
Some languages allow a language-defined operator to be overridden with user-defined behavior and some allow for user-defined operator symbols.
Operators may also differ semantically from functions. For example, short-circuit Boolean operations evaluate later arguments only if earlier ones are not false.
Differences from functions
Syntax
Many operators differ syntactically from user-defined functions.
Begin with the source’s own compact description: “Operator (computer programming)” is construct used in computer programming, often associated to a mathematical operation. The dossier treats that line as a proposition to test through Operator, computer and programming, not as a finished interpretation.
Why this record matters
The phrase “construct used in computer programming, often associated to a mathematical operation” supplies a clear boundary for inquiry. It also exposes the unanswered questions: who defined that boundary, when it became stable and which sources sit outside it.
Named sources, stable identifiers and responsible institutions provide the strongest route from overview to verifiable evidence. The source revision retrieved here is dated Aug 22, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q1206110. None of the 0 selected statements returned an explicit reference.
A concise general-reference account can conceal disagreements about scope, terminology or the weight assigned to individual sources. The source lead contains qualifying language; that uncertainty should survive quotation, summary and reuse. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Operator (computer programming)”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Operator (computer programming) primary sources, Operator (computer programming) archive and Operator research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Operator (computer programming)”?
- Which institution is responsible for the underlying evidence?
- Which cited source is closest to the event, object or claim?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Operator (computer programming)” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.