volatile variable

1 definition found

volatile variable - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  volatile variable
  
     <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)