Mode bit


A flag, usually in hardware, that selects between two (usually quite different) modes of operation. The connotations are different from flag bit in that mode bits are mainly written during a boot or set-up phase, are seldom explicitly read, and seldom change over the lifetime of an ordinary program. The classic example was the EBCDIC-vs.-ASCII bit (#12) of the Program Status Word of the IBM 360. Another was the bit on a PDP-12 that controlled whether it ran the PDP-8 or the LINC instruction set.
[Jargon File]

Read Also:

  • Modef

    Pascal-like language with polymorphism and data abstraction. “Definition of the Programming Language MODEF”, J. Steensgard-Madsen et al, SIGPLAN Notices 19(2):92-110 (Feb 1984).

  • Model

    [mod-l] /ˈmɒd l/ noun 1. a standard or example for imitation or comparison. 2. a representation, generally in miniature, to show the construction or appearance of something. 3. an image in clay, wax, or the like, to be reproduced in more durable material. 4. a person or thing that serves as a subject for an […]

  • Model checking

    theory, algorithm, testing To algorithmically check whether a program (the model) satisfies a specification. The model is usually expressed as a directed graph consisting of nodes (or vertices) and edges. A set of atomic propositions is associated with each node. The nodes represents states of a program, the edges represent possible executions which alters the […]

  • Modeled

    [mod-l] /ˈmɒd l/ noun 1. a standard or example for imitation or comparison. 2. a representation, generally in miniature, to show the construction or appearance of something. 3. an image in clay, wax, or the like, to be reproduced in more durable material. 4. a person or thing that serves as a subject for an […]

  • Modelet

    noun a small-scale model; also called modulet


Disclaimer: Mode bit definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.