open-closed principle

proper noun

A principle that states that software entities (such as classes, modules, and functions) should be open for extension, but closed for modification.

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Meanings

proper nounthe open-closed principle

alternative open/closed principle

  1. object-oriented programmingcomputingA principle that states that software entities (such as classes, modules, and functions) should be open for extension, but closed for modification.
Cite this entry
APA

open-closed principle. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/open-closed%20principle

MLA

“open-closed principle.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/open-closed%20principle. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “open-closed principle,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/open-closed%20principle.

Source: open-closed principle on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.