Definition

1. Noun:
   • An error detection code: A "cyclic redundancy check" is a mathematical calculation performed on a block of digital data. The result of this calculation is a short, fixed-size value that is stored or transmitted along with the data.
   • A method for catching errors: Its primary purpose is to detect accidental changes to raw data, such as those caused by noise during storage or transmission. The receiver can perform the same calculation; if the results differ, an error has occurred.

Usage

• Noun:
  • The file transfer protocol uses a cyclic redundancy check to ensure data integrity.
  • A mismatch in the cyclic redundancy check value indicates the downloaded file is corrupted.

Advanced Usage

• "To compute/calculate a cyclic redundancy check": To perform the mathematical algorithm on data to generate the check value.

  • The system computes a cyclic redundancy check for each packet before sending it over the network.

• "CRC value/checksum": The numerical result of the cyclic redundancy check calculation is often called a CRC value or a type of checksum.

  • Compare the cyclic redundancy check values from the source and destination to verify the file.

Variants and Related Words

• CRC (n): A common abbreviation for "cyclic redundancy check."

  • The software reported a CRC error, so I had to re-download the archive.

• Checksum (n): A broader term for any small datum derived from a block of data for error detection. A cyclic redundancy check is a specific, powerful type of checksum.

  • While both are used for error detection, a cyclic redundancy check is generally more robust than a simple checksum.

Synonyms

• Error-detecting code: A general term for codes, including cyclic redundancy check, designed to detect errors in data.
• Integrity check: A process to verify that data has not been altered.

Related Phrases

• "To fail a CRC": When the calculated check value does not match the stored/transmitted value, indicating corrupted data.

  • The hard drive sector failed a cyclic redundancy check, so the data could not be read.

• "CRC error": A common message or alert stating that a cyclic redundancy check has failed.

  • I kept getting a CRC error when trying to install the program from the damaged disk.

Noun

1. an error correction code that is recorded in each sector of a magnetic disk and used to catch errors in the data