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computer-science

What does 'predicate' mean in the context of computer science?

Specifically I've seen it used in the context of text filtering. As if "predicate" == "filter criteria".

Is this accurate?

Solution

  • It is a term most commonly used in the field of Mathematical Logic.

    From wikipedia

    In mathematics, a predicate is either a relation or the boolean-valued function that amounts to the characteristic function or the indicator function of such a relation.

    A function P: X→ {true, false} is called a predicate on X. When P is a predicate on X, we sometimes say P is a property of X.

    .

    "predicate" == "filter criteria"