1 (an object) To prepare an object for use, by initializing its slots and calling the initialize function on the object All Dylan objects are automatically initialized immediately after they are allocated 2 (a slot) To give the slot its initial value A program can test to see whether a slot has been initialized by calling the function slot-initialized? There is no mechanism for resetting a slot to the uninitialized state 3 (a variable) To bind the variable to its initial value
To set up either hardware or software to work correctly with your system Many modems have to be initialized each time they are used so they `know' how to act with the communications program When your software initializes your modem, it may tell the modem to expect 2400 baud and no parity, as well as the fact that you do not want any information to echo on your screen See also initialization string
Sets keyboard state tables to known values: All keys repeat and click No keys lock or latch Dead-key, setup, debug, keysym, and modifier tables are cleared The scancodes map one-to-one with keycodes
To prepare a piece of equipment (computer, printer, modem) to do something important initializing clears the equipment of any old data still stored in it
To set up a disk (any kind) to receive information When a disk is initialized, its magnetic media is divided into tracks and sectors, and a directory and Desktop file are created Also called formatting