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In computer programming, low-level means something used as a base upon which to build more complex mechanisms. To the untrained ear, I think the term might imply inferiority, which is simply not the case. I'm worried that people will think it is synonymous with basic, which is just plain wrong! (Indeed, low-level programming can be extremely complex.)

Is there a better term I could use? It should, in a nutshell, describe something that is necessary to form more complex things. A slightly technical tinge to the word is preferable, but not strictly necessary.

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  • How about neck deep?
    – yoozer8
    Oct 26, 2011 at 3:23
  • @Jim I've only ever heard that used as a hyperbole, e.g. "We're neck deep in paperwork." I'm not so sure it would work here.
    – Maxpm
    Oct 26, 2011 at 3:34
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    Yeah, I felt kind of iffy on it (hence the comment, rather than an answer). Seemed somewhat appropriate, though, as you would be neck-deep in the inner workings of a computer. It would convey to non-computer people that there is a lot of work and complexity.
    – yoozer8
    Oct 26, 2011 at 3:37
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    If you're worried about what untrained ears will hear, call it Genius-Level Programming. These are people who don't even understand the concept, let alone the actual work involved.
    – Sam
    Oct 26, 2011 at 5:43
  • Can you clarify what are you exactly talking about (you might get better answers)? Low-level is inherently relative - you might be talking about so many things; see some issues here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-level_programming_language
    – Unreason
    Oct 26, 2011 at 8:18

7 Answers 7

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  • Foundational (fundamental or underlying)
  • Machine-level (or, informally, "bare-metal programming ... is considered to be a low-level method of programming that is specific to the hardware used in the computer system and is often used for optimizing software and applications for an individual computer")
  • System internals
  • System-level
  • Underpinnings (support or foundation)
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    Personally, I think of "foundational" as having a connotation of being basic, but +1 for the other suggestions.
    – user867
    Apr 17, 2014 at 1:44
  • "foundational" would have been my suggestion.
    – TecBrat
    May 14, 2014 at 1:32
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A few I can think of:

  • "Fundamental"
  • "Core"
  • "Kernel"
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    +1 for core. Kernel might be too confusing for a non-technical audience, and fundamental might also have negative connotations (though the dictionary definition fits the bill perfectly).
    – Maxpm
    Oct 26, 2011 at 3:14
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    I find that "fundamental" has a positive connotation actually, something like "basic and essential".
    – tenfour
    Oct 26, 2011 at 3:16
  • You're probably right, actually.
    – Maxpm
    Oct 26, 2011 at 3:37
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I think foundational and core are quite good options. I'd just add to the list the word infrastructural. It may have more of the "technical tinge" you're looking for.

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I like building block here. If something is at the lowest level it is the building block that everything else rests.

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Close-to-the-metal gives a descriptive representation of what you’re talking about.

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Consider bedrock.

bedrock: Americanism: basic; fundamental: bedrock programming.

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Primitive or Proto too can be used if you are being pessimistic about your "low-level"

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    These would benefit from some examples and appropriate definitions for each suggested word.
    – KillingTime
    Aug 11, 2021 at 9:51

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