scaffold

Definition

In construction, a temporary framework of metal or wood used to support workers and materials during building or repair work; in programming, a minimal codebase or template generated automatically to jumpstart development. The term implies a temporary structure meant to be removed once the main work is complete.

Example Usage

The construction crew erected scaffolding around the historic building facade before beginning restoration work.

Origin

From Old French 'escafaut,' possibly derived from 'échafaud,' which may trace to Latin roots; originally referred to platforms for execution or theater performances.

Fun Fact

In software development, scaffolding tools like Rails and Yeoman can generate entire project structures with a single command, saving developers hours of boilerplate work.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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