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What does "scalability" mean in programming?
scalability 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
The ability of a system to handle increasing load by adding resources. Horizontal scalability means adding more servers; vertical scalability means upgrading existing hardware. Scalability is a key architectural goal for growing products.
Example
"The stateless API enables horizontal scalability — add more instances behind the load balancer as traffic grows."
Word forms
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| scalable | adjective | Able to handle increased load by adding resources | "The stateless design is scalable — just add more instances." |
Related terms
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