← Glossary
What does "retry" mean in programming?
retry is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.
Definition
Repeating a failed operation automatically, usually after a delay, hoping a transient error resolves. Retries should be applied only to idempotent operations and should use exponential backoff with jitter to avoid thundering herd problems.
Example
"The API client retries on 503 errors: waits 1 second after the first failure, 2 after the second, 4 after the third."
Related terms
Ready to practice your English at work?
Lingua-e has interactive exercises built around real developer conversations: standups, code reviews, retrospectives, and more. Practice until it comes naturally.
Try Lingua-e for free