call-by-need

noun

An evaluation strategy in which the arguments to a function are evaluated the first time they are used in that function.

Similar
pass-by-need
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Meanings

nouncall-by-need (uncountable)

alternative call by need

  1. uncountablecomputingAn evaluation strategy in which the arguments to a function are evaluated the first time they are used in that function.

    Synonyms: pass-by-need

Synonyms & antonyms

nounAn evaluation strategy in which the arguments to a function are evaluated the first time they are used in that function.

Similar
pass-by-need
Also see
pass-by-need
Cite this entry
APA

call-by-need. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/call-by-need

MLA

“call-by-need.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/call-by-need. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “call-by-need,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/call-by-need.

Source: call-by-need on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.