V
variable
In programming languages, shell scripts, command procedures, and the like, a
symbol whose value is allowed to change.
variable expansion
The replacement of the variable identifier with its associated strings in a shell
command line.
variable modifier
A symbol referring to part of a variable, usually under the assumption that its
value is a pathname.
version control file
In a version control system, a file that consists of original text and a set of
revisions (deltas) that have been made to it. In RCS, this file is called an RCS file; in
SCCS, an s-file.
version control library
A directory that contains files that are organized and maintained under a version
control system, such as RCS or SCCS.
version control system
A software tool that aids in the organization and maintenance of file revisions and
configurations. In particular, it automates the storing, logging, retrieval, and
identification of revisions to source programs, documentation, and data files.
See also version control library
vi editor
A full-screen text editor. The vi editor is a modal editor. In command mode, it
accepts commands for cursor movement, text deletion, and so forth. To insert
text into the file, the user gives the editor a command that places the editor in
input mode, and all keystrokes thereafter are interpreted as input data until the
Escape key is pressed.
See also full-screen editor
virus
A piece of software designed to attach itself to other computer programs or files
in a system and then to replicate itself indefinitely through any available means
(disk file, network, and so forth) into other computers. Viruses are usually
designed to damage or destroy "infected" programs or systems and are often
programmed to become destructive at a specific time, such as the birthday of the
virus's programmer.
See also Trojan Horse, worm
visual editor
See full-screen editor
