POSIX

Technology & Computing abbreviation · Computer

POSIX
Stands forPortable Operating System Interface
CategoriesTechnology & Computing

POSIX stands for Portable Operating System Interface, a computer abbreviation.

Family of IEEE standards defining a common programming interface, shell and utilities for Unix-like operating systems, so that software written for one can be moved to another with little change. macOS is certified compliant, and Linux is largely compatible.

Example: Write the script in POSIX sh so it runs on Alpine, macOS and Debian alike.

Usage notes

The first standard, IEEE 1003.1, appeared in 1988; Richard Stallman suggested the name, the X signaling its Unix heritage. Pronounced "POZ-icks". It specifies features such as processes, signals, pipes and commands like grep and awk. Windows itself is not POSIX-compliant, though WSL provides a compatible environment.

More computer abbreviations

  • PC – Personal computer
  • PEBKAC – Problem exists between keyboard and chair
  • PgDn – Page Down key
  • PgUp – Page Up key
  • PICNIC – Problem in chair, not in computer
  • PnP – Plug and Play
  • POST – Power-on self-test
  • PrtSc – Print Screen key
  • ReFS – Resilient File System
  • RTFM – Read the f***ing manual
  • RTL – Right-to-left
  • RTOS – Real-time operating system

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