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Prototype vs Reference - What's the difference?

prototype | reference |

As a noun prototype

is an original object or form which is a basis for other objects, forms, or for its models and generalizations.

As a verb prototype

is to create a prototype of.

prototype

Noun

(en noun)
  • An original object or form which is a basis for other objects, forms, or for its models and generalizations
  • An early sample or model built to test a concept or process
  • The prototype had loose wires and rough edges, but it worked.
  • (semantics) An instance of a category or a concept that combines its most representative attributes.
  • A robin is a prototype of a bird; a penguin is not.
  • (computing) A declaration of a function that specifies the name, return type, and parameters but none of the body, or actual code.
  • Synonyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * prototype theory

    Verb

    (prototyp)
  • To create a prototype of.
  • reference

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A relationship or relation ((to) something).
  • *, III.1.3:
  • all these are far more eminent and great, when they shall proceed from a sanctified spirit, that hath a true touch of religion and a reference to God.
  • A measurement one can compare to.
  • Information about a person, provided by someone (a referee) with whom they are well acquainted
  • A reference work.
  • (semantics) A relation between objects in which one object designates, or acts as a means by which to connect to or link to, another object.
  • (academic writing) A short written identification of a previously published work which is used as a source for a text.
  • (academic writing) A previously published written work thus indicated; a source.
  • (programming) An object containing information which refers to data stored elsewhere, as opposed to containing the data itself.
  • (programming, character entity) A special sequence used to represent complex characters in a web page such as ™ or €.
  • (obsolete) appeal
  • * Shakespeare
  • Make your full reference .

    Derived terms

    * * * * * * * *

    See also

    * sense

    Verb

    (referenc)
  • to refer to, to make reference to, to cite
  • Reference the dictionary for word meanings.
  • to mention
  • Usage notes

    * Some authorities object to the use of reference as a verb, preferring "refer to" or "cite".