weak references

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak references" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in programming and computer science to describe a type of reference that does not prevent the referenced object from being collected by garbage collection. Example: "In this implementation, we utilize weak references to allow for better memory management without preventing the objects from being garbage collected."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

After weak references to a freelance journalist and a source of some kind, the paper said that it would "accept" that its story was wrong.

The New Yorker

Its peculiarity is that those weak references do not prevent Python's garbage collector from deleting the object once no regular references to it are left.

Journal of Big Data

Furthermore, we illustrate the d2o_librarian that keeps weak references to the individual distributed data objects and assigns a unique cluster-wide identifier to them: the index.

Journal of Big Data

The output reads: The d2o-librarian's core-component is a weak dictionary wherein weak references to the local distributed_data_object instances are stored.

Journal of Big Data

In so doing, we contribute to the sociology of translation by highlighting how weak references can perform and circulate without reversibility in the chains of transformation between matters and forms.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

They contain only a few weak references to specific national situations and alcohol-related trends in each country and fail to address existing policies and laws as well as traditional culture.

Addiction

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Now there's only a weak reference that the secretary general should make a report to consider the rights of future generations.

The Guardian

But the Syria resolution contained only a weak reference to possible sanctions and made clear any further steps would be nonmilitary.

The New York Times

UNITED NATIONS — Months of wrangling at the Security Council over a resolution condemning Syria collapsed on Tuesday after Russia and China vetoed a measure that contained a weak reference to the possibility of sanctions against Damascus.

The New York Times

He admits it's very hard to sue someone for providing a weak reference.

Forbes

A weak reference won't be the determining factor making me not hire someone".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weak references" in technical writing, clearly define the context to avoid ambiguity. Specify whether you are referring to memory management in programming or a similar concept in another field.

Common error

Avoid using "weak references" loosely. Always ensure the reader understands the specific type of weakness or indirectness you are describing. Otherwise, be more specific about the kind of "indirect allusion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak references" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies and describes a specific type of reference, particularly in technical contexts like programming, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "weak references" is grammatically sound and generally refers to indirect or tenuous associations. As Ludwig AI pointed out, its use is most prominent in the field of Computer Science where is used to prevent memory leaks. While the phrase is accurate and usable, its frequency is uncommon. When employing it, make sure the specific meaning is clear within the appropriate technical or conceptual framework. Consider replacing it with alternative expressions like "tenuous connections" or "fragile links" to tailor the language to your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tenuous connections

Emphasizes the fragility or instability of the connections.

fragile links

Highlights the vulnerability and easiness to break of the links.

loose associations

Focuses on the lack of strong or direct connection between elements.

indirect allusions

Suggests references that are not explicit or obvious.

vague mentions

Highlights the lack of detail or clarity in the references.

slim ties

Indicates a minimal or insignificant connection.

remote connections

Stresses the distance or lack of immediacy in the relationship.

feeble links

Underlines the lack of strength or power in the connections.

tenuous links

Highlights the instability and weakness of the connections.

shadowy hints

Implies subtle and unclear indications.

FAQs

How are "weak references" used in programming?

In programming, "weak references" are references that do not prevent an object from being garbage collected. They allow you to track an object without keeping it alive, which is useful for caching or other situations where you want to know if an object exists without preventing its disposal.

What's the difference between "weak references" and strong references in programming?

Strong references keep an object alive as long as the reference exists. "Weak references", on the other hand, do not prevent the garbage collector from reclaiming the object's memory. The object can be garbage collected even if a "weak reference" to it exists.

In what contexts other than programming might the term "weak references" be used?

Outside of programming, "weak references" can describe indirect or tenuous connections or allusions. For example, a historian might describe "vague mentions" of a historical event in a document as "weak references" indicating uncertainty or lack of detail.

What are some alternative ways to describe "weak references" in non-technical contexts?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "tenuous connections", "indirect allusions", or "loose associations" instead of "weak references" to convey a similar meaning.