<programming> A variable in a computer program which can be
modified by processes other than the program. For example, a
variable that stores the value of a timer chip (either because
it is located at the address of the hardware device or because
it is updated on interrupts) needs to be volatile to be
useful.
A static variable, on the other hand, maintains its value
until the program changes it or it is no longer needed. In
addition, volatile variables can be held in the stack
whereas static variables are usually stored in a program's
data segment.
(1995-05-17)
Nearby terms:
volatile « volatile memory « volatile storage « volatile variable » voltage » Volume Table Of Contents » von Neumann architecture
