Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

reverse-engineering

noun

/rɪˈvɜːrs ˌɛn.dʒɪˈnɪr.ɪŋ/

Definition

The process of analyzing a product or system to identify its components and understand how it works, often to replicate or improve it.

Examples

The software developer used reverse-engineering to figure out how the competing application was built.
After the car broke down, the mechanics employed reverse-engineering to diagnose the malfunction.
Reverse-engineering the design of the gadget helped the team innovate a more efficient version.

Meaning

Reverse engineering involves taking apart and examining a product in great detail to learn how it was made and how it functions. This knowledge can then be used to create similar products, enhance existing ones, or troubleshoot issues.