Immutable means something that cannot be changed, altered or modified. It is unchangeable and permanent in nature. In computer science, an immutable object refers to a data structure which can not be modified once it has been created.
Usage examples
Immutable data structures are used extensively in functional programming languages such as Haskell and Clojure.
Immutable objects in object-oriented programming cannot be changed after they are created. This immutability helps in creating thread-safe and concurrent applications.
Cryptographic hash functions, like SHA-256, produce immutable digests. Once a message is hashed, the resulting digest is immutable, meaning any modifications to the message will result in a different digest.
In database design, immutable data can be useful for audit trails and maintaining historical records. By making certain columns or records immutable, it ensures that past data remains intact and unchangeable.
You will always pack whatever size backpack you have to the absolute exploding point... it must be some kind of immutable law of physics. (blog.tortugabackpacks.com)
This is because these parties «need a means to quickly correct errors on the blockchain,» which is not possible when using a blockchain - based system that creates immutable ledgers. (businessinsider.com)
Core characteristics such as immutable records, security, and efficiency means that it can be integrated into a wide variety of industries, such as supply chain management and (bitcoinist.com)